Constable suspended for assaulting journalist

Victim questioned the accused for slapping a youth

Villupuram Superintendent of Police S. Jayakumar on Tuesday suspended Vijayan, a constable attached to Edaikkal police station near Ulundurpet, for repeatedly assaulting a senior journalist with a Tamil news channel here.

Though the incident occurred on May 3, the action followed after police personnel checked the CCTV footage of the alleged assault in Villupuram.

Two other constables were shifted to the Armed Reserve for failing to intervene and not reporting the incident. According to the police, Jothi Narasimman, a senior journalist of

Puthiya Thalaimurai news channel was having food at an eatery in Villupuram on the night of May 3.

Three youth who had finished their dinner in the eatery were arguing with the owner over the bill. Mr. Vijayan, who was in plain clothes, allegedly slapped one of the youth. He also repeatedly assaulted Mr. Narasimman for questioned him. Police sources said Subin and Senthil, constables with Edaikkal and Villupuram west station, who were also in the hotel failed to intervene and prevent the assault.

A case was registered against Vijayan under Sections 294 (b), 323 and 506 Part II. Based on an enquiry, Superintendent of Police S. Jayakumar ordered the suspension of Vijayan while Subin and Senthil were shifted to the Villupuram Armed Reserve.