THOOTHUKUDI
A TV journalist, G. Muthuvel, was hacked by a man near Sattankulam on Wednesday night.
Mr. Muthuvel, who hails from Thamaraimozhi near Thattarmadam and reports in Srivaikuntam area for Polimer news channel, was allegedly attacked by S. Shanmuganathan, a real estate broker, around 9.30 p.m.
On hearing his cries, neighbours came to his workplace and rushed him to Sattankulam Government Hospital, from where he was referred to Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital. He suffered grievous injuries in his head, chest and an arm in the attack.
Superintendent of Police Murali Rambha said preliminary probe indicated that the two had enmity following a run-in at a restaurant.
Shanmuganathan was arrested early on Thursday morning under Sections 452 (house trespass after preparation for assault), 294 (b) (using obscene language), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons) and 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code and the provisions of the SC/ST Act by Thattarmadam police.
Meanwhile, Mr. Muthuvel alleged that Shanmuganathan said that he was being attacked for issuing adverse reports on Thattarmadam Inspector of Police Gajendran. On Wednesday afternoon, the SP had transferred the Inspector to the Armed Reserve following a series of other complaints against him.
Advocates at Sattankulam boycotted court and staged protests over the last two days against the Inspector for allegedly issuing threats to a lawyer. Mr. Muthuvel reported on the protest and previous complaints of alleged sexual harassment and aid to usury against the Inspector.
On Thursday, members of Thoothukudi Press Club submitted a petition to the SP seeking action against those involved in the attack on Mr. Muthuvel. Mr. Rambha assured them that action would be taken against the Inspector, if his involvement in the attack was proved.
Published - June 20, 2019 10:17 pm IST
