The Kerala Police on Friday arrested two Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers for allegedly assaulting a photographer at the Malappuram Press Club in the district, PTI reported. The right-wing group’s members allegedly attacked Chandrika photographer Fuvad Saneem and reporter Shahabas Vellila, after they photographed them intercepting a man riding a two-wheeler during an RSS protest rally on Thursday, The Hindu reported.
The police had earlier registered a case against 10 RSS activists over the attack. The photojournalist, who bore the brunt of the attack, sustained leg injuries and is undergoing treatment at a local hospital. The accused, identified as Shibu and Dileep Kumar, allegedly damaged his camera and cellphone.
Malappuram Circle Inspector A Premjith said that the accused were charged with unlawful assembly and assault, The Week reported. “The two-wheeler rider, on seeing the [RSS] march, tried to leave the spot, but the RSS activists intercepted him and grabbed the vehicle’s key,” police said. “On seeing it, Fouad took some video shots on his mobile phone.”
Media persons criticised the attack. The Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Indian Union Muslim League and several other parties issued statements condemning iy. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has vowed strict action against the culprits.
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