Journalist injured in attack by timber smugglers

A journalist was injured and his camera and mobile phone damaged when alleged timber smugglers attacked him in Meghalaya's West Khasi Hills district on Tuesday night.

Biplap Dey, a freelance journalist had gone to Athiabari area of the district, along with a driver and his friend, to investigate timber smuggling business when alleged timber smugglers attacked him and damaged his camera and mobile phone, police said.

"We have been informed of the matter. We are investigating into it," Superintendent of Police, G D Kharwanlang  said.

The Shillong Press Club (SPC) has condemned the attack on the journalist and sough action against the perpetrators in the crime.

The Meghalaya Electronic Media Association has also urged the authorities to take action against the groups involved in both the attack and in smuggling.