Published May 19, 2026 | 3:26 PM ⚊ Updated May 19, 2026 | 3:26 PM
Journalist attacked in Tiruvarur. (Screengrab)
Synopsis: Tiruvarur District Police in a statement noted that some media outlets — particularly News Tamil media — have allegedly exaggerated the issue and falsely reported that the journalist was attacked by persons under the influence of ganja. According to the police statement, the incident actually arose out of a personal dispute and argument between the two individuals.
A television journalist was allegedly attacked by a three-member gang at his residence in Muthupettai in Tiruvarur district late on Monday, 18 May night, leaving him seriously injured.
The victim, Haja Muhideen (37), son of Basheer Ahmed and a resident of Mugaideen Pallivasal Street in Muthupettai, works as a reporter for private Tamil news channel.
According to information, Haja Muhideen had returned home after completing his news assignment and was resting after dinner when the incident occurred around 11.45 pm. A three-member gang allegedly led by Abdul Basith (20), son of Salim, who was reportedly earlier arrested in a ganja-related case and later released, came to his house and knocked on the door.
When the journalist’s mother-in-law opened the door, the gang reportedly said they wanted to speak with Haja Muhideen. He then came near the entrance and spoke to them. During the conversation, Abdul Basith allegedly told him that he had been attacked by a person from Kovilur and claimed that police had refused to accept his complaint, asking the journalist to intervene.
As Haja Muhideen stepped outside and continued speaking with them, Abdul Basith allegedly attacked him with a bottle concealed at his waist. The gang allegedly struck and stabbed him multiple times on the head, chest and other parts of the body using the broken bottle before fleeing the spot with his mobile phone.
Family members and local residents rushed the injured journalist to the Government Hospital in Muthupettai. After first aid treatment, he was shifted to the Thanjavur Government Medical College Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment in critical condition.
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Tiruvarur District Police in a statement noted that some media outlets — particularly News Tamil media — have allegedly exaggerated the issue and falsely reported that the journalist was attacked by persons under the influence of ganja. According to the police statement, the incident actually arose out of a personal dispute and argument between the two individuals.
The police further read, “When the Tamil Nadu Police personnel from Muthupettai Police Station visited the spot and conducted an inquiry, it was found that Haja Muhideen had allegedly been in contact with a woman related to Abbas, a friend of Abdul Basith, who is from Adirampattinam, and had allegedly been threatening her for money. After learning about this, Abbas’s friends Abdul Basith and Sabir Ahmed went to Haja Muhideen’s house to question him. This led to an argument between them, during which Abdul Basith attacked Haja Muhideen with a bottle. Police have since arrested Abdul Basith in connection with the incident and initiated steps to remand him to judicial custody.”
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(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
