Kundapur: Journalist Srikanth Hemmadi, Kundapur correspondent of a news publication, was allegedly assaulted at a hotel in Kundapur on the morning of August 21 in connection with a report concerning Kundapur Government Hospital.
According to information available, the incident took place following a dispute related to a report on the government hospital. Dr Mahendra Shetty, who was serving as the medical officer at Kundapur Government Hospital, has been accused of assaulting Srikanth Hemmadi during the incident.
CCTV footage from the location is reportedly available and has emerged as part of the material relating to the incident.
Incident linked to hospital report
The alleged assault reportedly occurred in connection with a news report concerning Kundapur Government Hospital.
Srikanth Hemmadi, who works as a correspondent in Kundapur, was allegedly confronted over the report at a hotel on the morning of August 21.
During the incident, Dr Mahendra Shetty, who was serving as the medical officer at the government hospital, allegedly assaulted the journalist.
The circumstances leading up to the alleged assault and the exact sequence of events are expected to be established through further investigation.
The incident has drawn attention because it allegedly occurred while the journalist was carrying out his professional responsibilities.
CCTV footage surfaces
CCTV footage from the location has reportedly captured the incident. Screen grabs from the footage have also emerged following the alleged assault.
The footage could assist authorities in establishing the sequence of events and determining what transpired at the hotel.
Further details regarding the incident, including the circumstances of the confrontation and any action initiated by the authorities, are awaited.
As the matter involves allegations against a medical officer and a journalist, a detailed investigation will be necessary to establish the facts.
Journalists’ association condemns incident
The Udupi District Working Journalists’ Association has strongly condemned the alleged assault on Srikanth Hemmadi.
The association has urged the Udupi district police to treat the matter seriously and initiate stringent legal action against the person responsible.
The organisation has also called upon the police to ensure the safety and security of journalists while they carry out their professional duties.
The association’s response comes amid concerns over incidents involving journalists being confronted or allegedly attacked while reporting on matters of public interest.
Call for protection of journalists
The journalists’ association has stressed the need for a safe working environment for members of the media.
Journalists frequently interact with public officials, medical professionals and other stakeholders while gathering information for news reports. Disagreements over published or proposed reports are expected to be addressed through appropriate legal and professional channels rather than through alleged physical confrontation.
The association has therefore sought strict action in the present case and called for measures to ensure that journalists can perform their duties without fear or intimidation.
The alleged assault has also raised concerns among the local media fraternity, particularly because the incident is reportedly connected to coverage of a government hospital.
Investigation expected
The allegations are yet to be fully established, and further investigation will be required to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
CCTV footage from the hotel is expected to be an important source of evidence for authorities examining the complaint.
The police are also expected to consider statements from those present at the location and any other available evidence while determining the course of action.
The Udupi District Working Journalists’ Association has urged the police to initiate stringent legal proceedings if the allegations are substantiated.
The incident has highlighted the importance of protecting journalists engaged in professional reporting and ensuring that disputes concerning news coverage are resolved through lawful channels.
Further developments are awaited as the authorities examine the allegations and available evidence.