Udupi: The Udupi District Working Journalists Association has urged the police and health authorities to take strict action against Dr Mahendra Kumar Shetty, medical officer at Kundapur Government Hospital, over an alleged assault and threat against journalist Srikanth Hemmadi.
A delegation of the association submitted separate representations to the Udupi District Superintendent of Police and the District Health and Family Welfare Officer on Friday, seeking immediate legal and departmental action against the doctor.
Srikanth Hemmadi, a member of the Udupi District Working Journalists Association and reporter with Kannada Prabha, had reportedly published a report concerning allegations that money was being collected from poor and ordinary patients for various treatments, including surgeries, at Kundapur Government Hospital.
According to the association, Dr Mahendra Kumar Shetty was upset over the report and allegedly confronted and attacked Hemmadi while he was having breakfast at a hotel in Kundapur on August 21. The association has described the alleged incident as a serious attack on press freedom.
Association condemns alleged assault
The journalists’ association said reporting alleged irregularities and corruption in a government hospital falls within the professional responsibility of a journalist.
It said Hemmadi had brought an issue of public interest to the attention of the authorities and the public through his report. The association strongly condemned the alleged physical attack and threat by a government medical officer in response to the report.
According to the association, journalists should be able to report issues concerning public institutions and matters affecting ordinary citizens without facing intimidation or physical threats.
It argued that any attempt to suppress reporting through violence or threats cannot be tolerated and described the alleged assault as an attack not only on an individual journalist but also on the press, which it referred to as the fourth pillar of democracy.
Demand for immediate arrest
The delegation urged the police to arrest Dr Mahendra Kumar Shetty immediately and initiate strict legal action in accordance with the law.
The association said action should be taken without yielding to political, administrative or other forms of pressure.
It also called upon the police to take appropriate measures to ensure that similar incidents do not recur and that journalists can perform their professional duties without fear.
The association maintained that the allegations surrounding the hospital and the alleged assault should be dealt with through appropriate legal and administrative procedures rather than through confrontation or intimidation.
The police authorities have been urged to examine the allegations and take action based on the evidence available.
Suspension and departmental inquiry sought
The association has also approached the District Health and Family Welfare authorities, seeking the suspension of Dr Mahendra Kumar Shetty pending an inquiry.
It has demanded a departmental investigation into the alleged assault and appropriate action based on the findings.
The association said the alleged conduct of a government medical officer requires serious consideration, particularly because the incident allegedly followed a report concerning the functioning of a government hospital.
The demand for departmental action is in addition to the association’s request for criminal proceedings by the police.
Journalists stress press freedom
The association said journalists must be able to investigate and report allegations of public interest, including concerns relating to government institutions and healthcare services.
It said attempts to discourage such reporting through threats or physical attacks could have a wider impact on press freedom.
The association therefore called for decisive action to send a clear message that violence or intimidation against journalists will not be accepted.
It also said authorities should ensure that journalists are able to discharge their professional responsibilities without interference.
The delegation’s representations to both police and health officials were aimed at seeking action on the alleged assault as well as ensuring accountability through both criminal and departmental mechanisms.
Association delegation meets officials
The delegation included association district general secretary Nazir Polya, state committee member Astro Mohan, treasurer Harish Kunder and vice-president Prabhakara Acharya Chittoor.
Secretaries Umesh Marpalli, Lokesh Acharya Thekkatte and Suresh Ermalu were also part of the delegation.
Taluk presidents Nagaraj Rayappanamath, Hamid Padubidre, Udayashankar and Rajesh Ganiga Achladi participated in the representation.
Prominent members including Pramod Suvarna, Praveen Muduru, Ajith Aradi, Chetan Matpadi, Pundalika Marathe, Ganesh Beijadi and Shashidhar Mastibailu were also present.
The association has called for prompt action from both the police and health authorities and reiterated that incidents involving alleged threats or attacks on journalists should be dealt with firmly according to the law.
The allegations made by the association and the circumstances surrounding the reported confrontation remain subject to investigation. Any criminal or departmental action would ultimately depend on the evidence and findings of the competent authorities.