Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 31 January 2024
In a shocking incident on January 30, 2024, Mr. J Boby, Chief Editor of News Aap Tak, and Mr. Sahadev Dey, Editor of News Republic Andaman, were brutally assaulted by a group of individuals at Rangat Bazaar. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, prompting the Rangat Police to register an FIR against the accused.
The assault unfolded as both journalists were strolling through Rangat Bazaar. Observing people emerging from a shop in an inebriated state, the journalists decided to investigate further. Mr. J Boby moved ahead, while Mr. Sahadev Dey lingered behind, searching for a signboard to identify the establishment.
A person exiting the shop targeted Mr. Sahadev, initiating an unprovoked attack. The situation quickly escalated as more individuals joined in, assaulting the journalist. Mr. J Boby, upon realising the danger, rushed back to rescue Mr. Sahadev, only to become a victim of the violent onslaught. The assailants ruthlessly kicked and punched the journalists, leaving them with injuries on their faces and other parts of their bodies.
The swift response of the journalists led to the immediate involvement of the police. An FIR has been registered against three identified individuals—Mr. Poomurugan, Mr. Solaimannan, and Mr. Dinesh—under sections 341, 323, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The injured journalists received medical attention for the injuries sustained during the assault. News of the incident has sparked outrage among various segments of society, with widespread condemnation of the attack on journalists. Calls for stringent action against the perpetrators have intensified, highlighting the importance of safeguarding press freedom and ensuring the safety of media professionals.