Journalists pelted stones

Burdwan (WB), Feb 3 (PTI) Journalists covering a fairorganised by the Trinamool Congress in Burdwan today werepelted stones after some in the gathering objected to theirpresence near the dias where film star Mithun Chakraborty wasto participate a talk show.

As the talk show was behind schedule caused by the cinestar''s late arrival, the crowd began restive after theyspotted some tv journalists blocking their view.

Sensing the mood of the spectators, the host of the show,the CEO of a news channel, threatened to stop the show unlessthe tv journalists moved away.

The journalists in turn threatened to boycott the talkshow which triggered stone pelting by some in the gathering.

Scared of a nasty turn in the situation, the crowd beganto vacate the fair ground causing a near-stampede as somechildren were hurt.

The journalists were invited by senior Trinamool Congressleader Madan Mitra to cover the 10-day fair, Kanchan Utsav.

When contacted, Mitra said he would look into thematter.

Additional SP Debashis Sarkar confirmed the incident andsaid a police force was sent to manage the situation.