A senior journalist and his photographer son were assaulted by a shop owner and his family in Udaipur's Lalghat area in Rajasthan on Wednesday morning, triggering protests by journalists and local residents who demanded strict action against the accused.The incident took place under the jurisdiction of Ghantaghar police station when photographer Deepak Soni was conducting a pre-wedding shoot near Lalghat. According to the allegations, a dispute broke out between Deepak and shop owner Sardar Khan, which soon escalated into a physical altercation.Deepak allegedly suffered an attack with iron rods.
After being injured, he called his father, senior journalist Pramod Soni, and informed him about the incident.When Pramod Soni reached the spot, he too was allegedly assaulted by those present. The accused were also alleged to have grabbed his collar, dragged him inside the shop and held him captive.
Pramod Soni reportedly even apologised to the accused amid the escalating situation to ensure that he could leave the spot safely. Deepak was subsequently taken for a medical examination.JOURNALISTS AND RESIDENTS PROTEST, DEMAND ACTIONAs news of the assault spread, anger grew among journalists and local residents.
Around two dozen journalists reached the police station following the incident. They later went to the spot to gather details and demanded that the police intervene.
A police team, including Hathi Pol police station in-charge Raju Devi and Dhanmandi police station in-charge Gajveer Singh, reached the location and attempted to defuse tensions. However, journalists and residents continued to express their anger.The protesters also demanded immediate action against alleged illegal construction and encroachment in the area.As tensions escalated, Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajesh Yadav and Ghantaghar police station in-charge Ratna Singh arrived at the spot with additional police personnel.SHOP SEALING ACTION, PROTESTERS GIVE 48-HOUR ULTIMATUMFollowing the incident, the mayor intervened and initiated action against the alleged encroachment in the area.
Authorities also began the process of sealing the shop belonging to Sardar Khan.However, the protesters maintained that action against the alleged encroachment alone would not be enough and demanded strict legal action against those accused of assaulting the journalist and his son.After the municipal corporation's action at the site, journalists and local residents moved to Jagdish Chowk, where they continued their protest.The demonstration lasted around half an hour, after which the protesters temporarily called off their agitation. However, they issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the police administration, warning that they would resume their protest if strict action was not taken against the accused within the deadline.The incident has raised concerns over the safety of journalists in Udaipur, with protesters seeking action against the accused and measures to ensure the safety of residents in the area.- Ends