French journalist assaulted at Chennai airport

Chennai, Aug 30 (UNI) A 38-year-old journalist from France was allegedly assualted by a group of CISF personnel at the Anna International airport here, following an altercation early this morning.

The scuffle took place when CISF personnel objected to smoking by Serjugi Geizaulks, representing French daily 'Le Monde'.

Airport sources said Geizaulks and his wife Flora came to the airport to catch Frankfurt-bound Lufthansa flight. After completing the security and other travel formalities, the couple proceeded to the prohibited area on way to board the plane. The journalist lit a cigarette and started smoking to which the CISF personnel manning the entrance gate objected, resulting in a wordy duel.

While Geizaulks claimed that securitymen assaulted him severely in which he sustained bruises on his face, the CISF personnel the journalist first attacked them.

However, security personnel allegedly overpowered him and tied his hands and kept him at the CISF post.

Later, they informed the matter to the French Consulate in Pondicherry.

Meanwhile, the flight left for Frankfurt.

Ms Kausaly Devi of the French Consulate, Pondicherry rushed here and held discussion with the airport authorities to settle the matter amicably.

The sources said efforts were on to bring about a compromise to free the journalist and to ensure that the couple were sent back to Frankfurt by the Lufthansa flight tomorrow.

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