Attack on media by sect members, protests by Akalis

New Delhi, May 16 (UNI) A section of the Sikh sect owing allegiance to 'Dera Sacha Sauda' and numbering about 200 attacked mediapersons in Vikaspuri area of West Delhi this evening for allegedly talking to Akali Dal members holding protest demonstrations.

No mediaperson was injured as they fled for their life seeing the violent mob approaching them, though two 'Outdoor Broadcasting' vans of 'Star Plus' and 'Sahara Samay' channels were smashed by them at Vikaspuri Chowk, according to eyewitnesses.

The attack by 'dera sacha sauda' members was mainly targetted at Akalis who had been protesting their since afternoon, but media vans were caught in the 'crossfire' as one of the channels was interviewing Akali leader Omkar Singh Thapar.

Thapar also received severe head injuries in the attack and had to be rushed to the hospital, said sources, adding that some 20-odd other Akali supporters were also injured in the incident.

Earlier, at about 1330 hrs about 700 Akali Dal (Badal) members protested at Vikaspuri Chowk, close to the CRPF Camp in Keshopur, against the Bhatinda incident in which 'dera sacha sauda' chief allegedly posed as Guru Gobind Singh and distributed 'amrit', just as the '10th Guru' had done centuries ago, which they said was tantamount to disrespect to their faith.

After about three hours of protests when the crowd thinned and Akali leader Omkar Singh was giving bytes to the media followers of 'dera sacha sauda' attacked them over their protest demonstration.

The CRPF later denied reports that stones had been pelted at its camp as reported by a section of the press.

Reports of protests were also received from Jangpura area in South Delhi where glass panes of several vehicles and windows of shops were broken by demonstrators, along with West Delhi areas of Janakpuri and Tilak Nagar.

Delhi Police spokesman Rajan Bhagat said demonstrations were peaceful at all places, except for a ''minor incident'' in East Delhi which was brought under control due to vigilant officials.

''Every thing was peaceful and situation well under control. We are keeping a close vigil.'' Official sources said the city police had been warned by intelligence agencies of likely violent demonstration in view of the 'dera sacha sauda' incident.

''Imposition of Section 144 was also advised in areas where Sikhs were in a majority,'' they said adding that the 'warning' was ignored.

UNI