National Union of Journalists (India) condemns gang-rape of photo journalist in Mumbai.

New Delhi,24 August 2013 :: The National Union of Journalists (India) [ NUJ( I )] expressed shock over the gang-rape of a photo journalist in Mumbai. Demanding immediate arrest of all the culprits who are behind the heinous crime, the NUJ (I) Secretary General Prasanna Mohanty demanded the government to ensure safety and security of the mediapersons who are covering life threatening assignments.

 According to reports, the 22-year old photo journalist, an intern with a lifestyle magazine, had gone on assignment to Shakti Mills, shooting for magazine assignment in the busy Mahalaxmi area on the evening of August 22. She was accompanied by a male colleague. Reports indicate that three among the five assailants then proceeded to brutally assault the woman photo journalist, while two others held her male colleague down.

 “We are disturbed and shocked to learn this incident. This incident, however, shows that there are several other hazards that women journalists face in seeking fair and equal representation within the media. We demand the Maharashtra Government to ensure safety of the media workers, nab and punish the culprits behind the heinous crime and grant proper compensation to the victim. We also extend our support to the grieved family,” said NUJ(I) Secretary General Prasanna Mohanty.

 The NUJ(I) welcomed the Press Council of India’s decision to appoint a committee to probe into the incident.