Forest guard attacks journalists in Odisha, breaks camera

Puri: On a day when mediapersons are being greeted on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, journalists were allegedly attacked by a Forest Guard near Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha’s Puri district today.

According to reports, a reporter and a cameraperson of Kanak News had gone near the sanctuary for documenting a report related to cyclone FANI, which had hit the coastal district exactly a year ago.

Two Forest guards were reportedly consuming liquor at the spot when the journalist duo reached. One of the Forest guards later manhandled the journalists besides trying to snatch away the camera, during which it broke.

A complaint in this regard has been lodged at the Penthakata Marine police station. The Forest guard’s act drew sharp criticism as persons from various quarters condemned it.