At least three journalists sustained injuries following a scuffle with Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) cadres on July 9, after the party’s General Secretary Vaiko allegedly provoked the attack against them.
The incident occurred while the journalists were covering MDMK’s public meeting held in Sathur, Virudhunagar district.
According to reports, during Vaiko’s speech, several attendees began to leave the venue, leaving many seats empty. Journalists covering the event began filming the empty chairs, which appeared to irritate a visibly agitated Vaiko.
In a video that has surfaced online, Vaiko is seen asking a journalist, “Which media outlet are you from? You’re showing empty chairs. Don’t you have any sense? Will you also show the number of people standing outside?” He then instructed party workers to seize the journalists’ cameras and remove their film rolls.
Following the leader’s outburst, MDMK cadres allegedly confronted and attacked journalists as they tried to exit the venue. At least two reporters were injured in the altercation, with one cameraman sustaining a head injury. The injured journalists were later taken to the Government Hospital in Sathur for treatment.
The incident sparked strong condemnation from the journalists’ fraternity.
The Chennai Press Club stated that Vaiko verbally abused journalists and instructed party cadres to seize their equipment. “Following this, several journalists were injured in the attack. This behaviour by a senior politician like Vaiko is strongly condemnable,” the statement read. The club has demanded legal action against Vaiko and those responsible.
Similarly, former Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president K. Annamalai said, “The attack by MDMK cadres is unacceptable. Vaiko should personally express regret and apologise to the affected journalists. Strict action must be taken by the police against the MDMK members involved in the assault.”
Following the backlash, MDMK issued a statement on Thursday, July 10, expressing regret over the incident.
The party claimed that Vaiko began his speech at 8 PM. However, due to a power outage, some party members stepped outside the venue. When electricity was restored shortly thereafter, the leader resumed his speech, the statement said.
The party denied that Vaiko instigated the attack on journalists and described the incident as “unfortunate” and “regrettable.”
“In the 31-year history of MDMK, cadres have never behaved in such a manner towards journalists,” the statement read.
This report was republished from The News Minute as part of The News Minute-Newslaundry alliance. Read about our partnership here and become a subscriber here.
Newslaundry is a reader-supported, ad-free, independent news outlet based out of New Delhi. Support their journalism, here.
