Journalists on hunger strike

Kolkata, April 02 Several journalists went on hunger strike outside the office of Prabhat Mishra, the District Magistrate, North 24-Parganas. The protest was against the assault on them by supporters of the coordination committee, state Government employee’s organisation, backed by the CP(M).

The incident took place on Monday when media persons went to cover the story of Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Shilton Pal, who was allegedly harassed at the DM’s office when he went there to get his voter’s identity card. He alleged that the staff demanded a bribe of Rs 50 from him. Media persons said that they were beaten up at the SDO’s office when they went to cover the news.

Chief Electoral Officer Debashis Sen said, “It is very unfortunate that the staff have demanded money for voter’s identity card. I have asked for a detailed report from the DM and also brought the incident to the notice of the Chief Election Commissioner.”