2 media photographers attacked by AIADMK workers

Chennai, Sep 26: Two media photographers were assaulted by Opposition AIADMK who were staging a demonstration before Party Supremo J Jayalalithaa's Poes Garden residence here today.

As many as 50 disgruntled party workers, who were denied tickets to contest the ensuing local body polls, shouted slogans when photographers Mani of leading Telugu daily 'Eenadu' and T Kumar of UNI took photographs.

Opposing this, about 20 AIADMK workers chased and assaulted them.

They also snatched the camera of Mr Mani, tore the camera bag and his shirt. When Mr Kumar went to his rescue, he too come under the attack by the second rung party leaders.

While Mr Mani suffered an injury in his hand, Mr Kumar had bruises on his body.

Later, Party Whip and Senior Leader K A Sengottaiyan, on instructions from Ms Jayalalithaa, met the injured lensmen and held talks with the representatives of the newly-formed Tamil Nadu Photographers Association.

Mr Sengottaiyan expressed regret over the incident and tendered an apology. He also promised to reimburse the damages caused to the camera and medical expenses of the injured lensmen.

The Association strongly condemned the photographers and appealed to political parties not to turn their ire on the media.

UNI