Media photographers assaulted outside Bombay House of Tatas

Some private security personnel on Friday assaulted media photographers, who had gathered to cover the arrival of Tata Sons' sacked Chairman Cyrus P. Mistry for a board meeting at Tatas' headquarters, Bombay House.

At least one photographer was virtually pinned down by four-five security personnel, brutally punched, slapped and then pushed away from the building entrance in South Mumbai's busy Fort area.

The cameras and other equipment of at least two photographers were badly damaged or broken by the security personnel in the fracas.

Among the lensmen beaten up from different Mumbai publications were Atul Kamble, Suryakant Riwate and Arijit Sen, who have been admitted to the St. George Hospital for treatment.

Police arrived on the scene a short while later and were in the process of registering complaints in the matter at MRA Marg Police Station.

The Mumbai Press Club strongly condemned "the brutal attack" and demanded immediate arrest of the security personnel of Bombay House involved in the shameful act of violence against media professionals.

"We don't expect a corporate house like Tatas to indulge in violent practices against media persons and demand explanation from the corporate authorities who allowed security personnel to take this extreme step," the Club said in a strongly-worded statement.

Barely hours later, the Tata Group expressed "deep regrets" over the incident during the entry of certain board directors at Bombay House.

"We profusely apologise to the press corp and their families for this incident. We will ensure that such a situation does not recur. We do understand the difficult job and trying situations in which the media corp undertake their duty and have always supported their endeavour," an official spokesperson for Tata Group said.

The company reiterated that it treasures its cordial relationship with the members of the media and will strive to ensure that it is maintained.

--IANS

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