Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (TU/CN)

Udupi, Sep 7: The second additional civil court has acquitted two journalists in the case relating to the assault on Dr Kiran Acharya.

Judge Sujata in a verdict on Saturday September 6, acquitted Umesh Marpally, a local news photographer, and Shijith, cameraman of a local television channel, citing lack of evidence. 

On June 29, 2006, Dr Kiran Acharya had filed a complaint with the Manipal Police alleging that the two media persons entered the hospital without permission, obstructed him in performing his duty, and threatened him.

In a counter complaint filed with the Manipal police on June 30, Marpally said that he had gone to Kasturba Hospital in the afternoon with Shijith, to photograph a person injured in a house collapse. He alleged that Dr Kiran Acharya, who works at the hospital, had caught hold of his collar, abused, and assaulted him. 

The doctor allegedly snatched the camera from  Marpally and damaged the equipment Shijith had with him. Marpally and Shijith had later been admitted to the district government hospital.