MUMBAI/PUNE: A mob of Shiv Sena workers on Friday afternoon created mayhem and attacked the offices of the popular IBN7-Lokmat Marathi news channel in Mumbai and Pune.
Speaking to Arab News, the channel officials alleged that the attack was the work of Sena workers, who, armed with hockey sticks, smashed the windows and damaged computers, telephones and furniture. The clash lasted about an hour. In Mumbai they assaulted the editorial and office staff and caused serious injuries to several of them, including the channel editor Nikhil Wagle.
The motive for the attack was unknown. The employees of the channel in Mumbai fought with the attackers and were able to detain five men. The police arrested seven people found involved in the attack. In the beginning, 15 Sena workers forcibly entered the channel office in Vikroli suburb of Mumbai. They then went on rampage and broke the entrance gate and tried to assault the female employees of the channel. Pieces of broken glasses were spread all over.
Meanwhile, while the issue of the attack in Mumbai was being discussed, the channel’s office in Pune was also attacked. Ten to 15 workers of the Sena are alleged to have damaged the van of the channel. Also the Sena workers stoned the other office of the channel situated on the outskirts of the city on the Sinhgad Road. The channel’s employees in Pune were anticipating such an attack from the Sena and had made adequate police arrangements at their offices. The police arrested eight Sena workers for vandalism and disturbing the peace. Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and Home Minister RR Patil have condemned the attacks on the news channel.
