National Press Club Highlights Press Freedom Concern Over Jimmy Lai’s Long Detention
January 31, 2026
Woman Found Dead at Rajshahi Home as Journalist Husband Hospitalised
February 1, 2026
February 01, 2026 – India –
Police in Karur district, Tamil Nadu, have dismissed widespread reports alleging that a television journalist and his team were kidnapped while covering alleged illegal quarrying activities in the region. The clarification came after an incident on 30 January 2026 at a stone quarry near Sivayam North village, where tensions escalated between media personnel and quarry workers. Authorities say the journalists were safe and no abduction occurred, contradicting social media and local news reports that circulated earlier.
According to the police, a TV news reporter, E Kathiravan (45), and cameraman R Sebastian (47), along with three others, had visited the site to document alleged unauthorised mining. They reportedly used a drone to capture video footage of the Navamani Mines Private Limited quarry without securing prior permission, which led to a confrontation with quarry staff and workers. Officers noted that the group suffered injuries during the altercation and were treated at Kulithalai Government Hospital before being referred to Trichy General Hospital.
Quarry owner P Vimalathithan, whose family is politically connected in the region, filed a complaint alleging that the journalists had attempted extortion. In response, the reporter filed a separate counter-complaint accusing some quarry personnel of assault and damage to equipment. Community Service Registers (CSRs) were issued for both complaints as police continue their investigation into what they describe as a dispute rather than a kidnapping.
Local reactions have been mixed, with political figures and journalist groups condemning the assault on media workers covering potential illegal operations. Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) leader G K Vasan said the episode underscored ongoing safety risks facing journalists in Tamil Nadu, even as authorities maintain no abduction took place.
Independent news coverage of the incident described the journalists being attacked while attempting to film quarry activities, with equipment, including drones and cameras, reportedly damaged in the clash. Public concerns have centred on press freedom, journalist safety, and the enforcement of law at quarry sites, prompting calls for a transparent and swift conclusion to the police inquiry.
As the situation develops, authorities have reiterated that the case remains under active investigation and stressed that the narrative of kidnapping is unfounded based on current evidence.
Reference –
