CHANDIGARH: Angry devotees of Dera Sachcha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim first assaulted mediapersons on Friday. The mob set ablaze outside broadcasting (OB) vans of five media houses, including Times Now.Ten journalists, including TOI chief photographer Balish Ahuja, were assaulted and their equipment damaged. Ahuja sustained injuries on his hand, legs and back and his two cameras were destroyed.The devotees ran amok, setting ablaze three cars and around 10 motorcycles of mediapersons. A car of TOI senior reporter Barinder Saluja was also set afire. The dera followers accused media of tarnishing the image of their 'guru' and not highlighting his welfare deedsproperly.Following the incidents, the Broadcast Editors' Association has demanded immediate steps for the safety and security of mediapersons.

Source: Times of India August 25, 2017 23:15 UTC