Patiala court assault: PCI seeks report from Delhi police

Taking suo-motu cognisance of the assault on mediapersons in the Patiala House Court complex, the Press Council of India has sought a report from the Delhi police on the incident, PCI Chairman Justice (retd) C K Prasad said here today. Terming the yesterday's incident as of a "grave nature", Prasad told reporters here that the attack was not on just journalists alone but also on the freedom of the Press. "Attack on the journalists is an unfortunate incident. It is not only an attack on the journalists but also attack on the freedom of the Press," he said, adding that a report had been sought from the Delhi police in respect of Patiala court incident. The PCI held a three-day sitting of the Inquiry Committee here since Monday. The Patiala House incident led to an outrage from the media with top editors of national media and journalists hitting the streets demanding action against those involved in beating up members of their fraternity in police presence. The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) has condemned the incident. Prasad said a report has also been sought from the local member of the PCI on the gunning down of a journalist at Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh on Satuday. The PCI had taken suo motu cognisance in this case also. Karun Mushra (28) was allegedly shot dead by some unidentified persons while he was proceeding somewhere on his motorbike.