Chandigarh
21 August 2020
DIVYA AZAD
The Chandigarh Punjab Union of Journalists (CPUJ) has condemned the incident of brutal attack on Journalists on 18th August at Pandori Kalan village of District Taran Taran. President of CPUJ, Vinod Kohli has said that the Pandori Kalan incident has proved that there is absolute lawlessness in Punjab and lives of law abiding citizens are in grave danger. Attack on journalists by liquor mafia goons has proved that these criminals have no fear of law. Vinod Kohli also condemned the role of police in this matter. The behavior of local police officials really confirms that these guys are hand in glove with criminals and are protecting their interest instead of the general public, says Kohli. He demanded that the entire matter should be investigated thoroughly and guilty, weather mafia goons or police personnels, should be punished. He demanded dismissal of police personal like ASI Mukhtiar Singh who have threatened the journalists and failed to act against the culprits.
On 18th August, local reporters of PTC News Pawan Kumar Sharma, his Cameraman Sarabjit Singh, Harinder Singh of Ajit along with Vikas Marwah went to village Pandori Kalan to cover the death of one Dilbagh Singh. It is the same village where more than dozen persons have died after consuming illicit liquor few days back. It was said that Dilbagh Singh too died after consuming illicit liquor. All four journalists were abused and beaten by Kulwinder Singh alias Babbu, the liquor don of the village and his goons. Pawan Sharma was especially there target as he was kicked and abused repeatedly and illicit liquor was also poured in his mouth.
Police officials of Thana Sadar Taran Taran reached at the spot after an hour but instead of taking action against the goons, they took the journalist illegally to Police Station and threatened them of dire consequences.
