Several media persons injured as Haryana Police target them

Several media persons covering the stand-off and clash between the security forces and followers of controversial sect leader Rampal were injured Tuesday as the police carried out an unprovoked attack on the journalists.

The media persons were targeted suddenly near the Satlok Ashram, near Haryana's Barwala town, while they were covering the violent clash between the sect followers and security forces.

The media had been taken near the ashram complex by the police itself following verbal orders of Haryana director general of police (DGP) S.N. Vashisht to the Hisar police officers.

"We were taken ahead by the police itself and were covering the clash from a distance. Suddenly, the police came from behind us and attacked all journalists. The police attacked journalists with sticks mercilessly. Many were injured and cameras were broken or taken away," said one journalist, who has been covering the stand-off outside the ashram for over one week.

The journalists were attacked on the hands and legs.

"The police, it was apparent, did not want the clash to be filmed. They broke cameras and other equipment. Journalists were chased into the fields and beaten up. No medical help was provided to them," another TV journalist said.

Most journalists said that they were caught unaware by the sudden police attack on them.