In the Palladam area of Tirupur district, a distressing incident unfolded as a journalist faced a brutal assault for fulfilling the crucial role of news reporting. Despite being considered the fourth pillar of democracy, such incidents cast doubt on the safety of journalists in Tamil Nadu.
Nesaprabhu, a resident of Kamanayakkanpalayam Palladam and a journalist at News7 Tamil channel, became the victim of a ruthless attack on 24 January 2024. The assailants, armed with sickles and knives, inflicted severe injuries on the journalist.
It was reported that the attack on Nesaprabhu was likely a repercussion of his recent coverage exposing the illegal sale of liquor in Tirupur.
A News7 reporter’s associate revealed that he had recently covered a story on the illicit sale of liquor in a #TASMAC bar a few months ago. Another news report highlighted an incident involving an IS inspector threatening a trader and extorting bribes. The journalist faced an attack by a group of six men in Palladam around 8:45 PM.
News7 reporter colleague say recently he reported on illegal sale of liquor in #TASMAC bar as few months ago.
Another news story regarding an IS inspector threatening a trader and demanding bribes.
He was attacked by a group of 6 men in Palladam at around 8.45 pm. https://t.co/vsuyZN6O1Y
— Shabbir Ahmed (@Ahmedshabbir20) January 24, 2024
Before the assault, Nesaprabhu became aware that he was being trailed by unidentified individuals in a car. Worried about his safety, he contacted the police control room, which, in turn, informed the local Kamanaickenpalayam police. However, the police directed Nesaprabhu to personally visit the station and file a written complaint.
Feeling threatened, Nesaprabhu sought refuge at a nearby petrol station and alerted the police. Unfortunately, he found himself surrounded by assailants in the manager’s room, where the brutal attack occurred. During a call with the police, Nesaprabhu reported being surrounded by five cars.
Despite making multiple distress calls to the police, the phone call recording that was released captures Nesaprabhu’s desperate plea for police protection just moments before the assault. He sustained severe injuries during the attack.
News7, while condemning the assault on its journalist, also criticized the police for alleged negligence. The Chennai Press Club, Journalists Union, and various organizations condemned the attack and are demanding a comprehensive investigation.
“சார் வந்துட்டானுங்க சார்… அச்சோ… என் லைஃப் முடிஞ்சுச்சு…” – மர்மகும்பலால் கொலைவெறி தாக்குதலுக்கு உள்ளான செய்தியாளர் நேசப்பிரபு, கடைசியாக காவல்துறையிடம் உதவிகோரிய அதிர்ச்சி ஆடியோ#Tirupur | #Audio | #TNPolice | #Crime | #Reporter | #Nesaprabhu https://t.co/3obRwVssqw
— PuthiyathalaimuraiTV (@PTTVOnlineNews) January 25, 2024
Below is the transcription of the recording which captures the harrowing incident.
Nesaprabhu: They may come one or two times but they are coming repeatedly. How many times should I take care, I can’t sleep peacefully, if someone is with me I’ll beat and grab them or at-least I’ll push the vehicle on the road. Till now, they were standing on the road and watching me.
Police: I’ve crossed Anuparpalayam, I’m asking you, shall I come?
Nesaprabhu: Sir they’ve gone, they would have crossed Palladam, by now they would have gone to Palladam. I’m standing at Sripathi, they crossed Palladam. Now we should tell the Palladam police, then… if we want to arrest them, they have been caught on camera sir. They are in both Sripathi camera and in petrol bunk camera too… they now went to Palladam must cross the scad.
Police: Yes. You stay at Sripathi, I’ll bring this to the Inspector’s knowledge
Nesaprabhu: Please tell him, anything can happen sir
Police: Nothing like that, do you have the inspector’s number?
Nesaprabhu: Yes sir, Yes sir, I have it
Police: Do you have the inspector’s number?
Nesaprabhu: Yes sir, I have it.
Police: Shall I say it?
Nesaprabhu: I have it sir… I’ll call him
Police: You speak with him
Nesaprabhu: (interrupting with fearful voice) They have come sir… they have come sir
Police: What are you saying? Really?
Nesaprabhu: I’m coming … coming to the station. There have come in 5 cars. Sir, please come … oh god…. (shouting) they have come sir…
Police: What are you saying prabhu
Nesaprabhu: (Shouting in agony and fear) it is over sir… my life is over sir, 5 cars sir, Innova, Ertiga.
Police: Please wait a minute…
டாஸ்மாக் ஊழல்,போலீஸ் லஞ்சம் பற்றி வெளி கொண்டு வந்த நியூஸ்7 செய்தியாளர் "தன்னை யாரோ நோட்டமிடுவதாக" புகார் செய்து காவல்துறை கண்டு கொள்ளாததால் கொடூர தாக்குதலுக்கு உள்ளாகியுள்ளார்
ஆனா பாருங்க இந்த பத்திரிக்க பைத்தியக்காரனுங்க காவல்துறைய எதிர்க்காம அண்ணனுக்கு எதிரா போராடுவானுங்க🤧 pic.twitter.com/V0bU8uXJWc
— Sanghi Prince🚩 (@SanghiPrince) January 25, 2024
Following the assault, the assailants swiftly vanished. Prabhu, severely injured, is receiving medical attention at a private hospital in Coimbatore. Nesaprabhu was assaulted merely 500 meters away from a police station in Tirupur. Despite the proximity to law enforcement, the attackers, exhibiting no haste, inflicted 62 cut injuries on his body.
(with inputs from Puthiyathalaimurai)
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