Daijiworld Media Network

Lucknow, Jun 27: There have been a number undesirable incidents happening in India's most populous state of Uttar Pradesh. Rapes, murders, sexual assaults are being reported almost everyday. And now it's the turn of a journalist to get assaulted, that too by the administration!

Shalabh Mani, a senior journalist of national Hindi news channel, who was tracking the case of Dr Sachan's death was forcibly taken to Hazratgani police station by two police officers, and reportedly assualted. Hundreds of media persons, on learning the news of the journalist's arrest, gathered outside the police station and shouted slogans against the police. This forced the police to release the journalist.

Angry journalists also marched to chief minister Mayawati's residence, where her secretary and DIG tried to pacify the protesting reporters.

Later, in a damage control mode a senior police officer assured the journalist that strict action will be taken against the police officer who initiated the arrest without any reason.

The UP government led by BSP's Mayawati has been at the receiving end from all angles including media and opposition for a series of crimes in the state over the past few days. The attack on the journalist is one more shameful incident to add to the increasing problem of law and order, and Mayawati needs to give some answers as to why even journalists are not safe in her state.