Journalists Demand Action After Sholinghur Incident
Two journalists and YouTuber Siva were allegedly assaulted in Sholinghur, Ranipet, after a video involving TVK MLA G Kapil circulated online. Press organisations have demanded legal action, while police say an investigation is underway.
Ranipet, July 29, 2026: The alleged TVK MLA journalist attack in Sholinghur has triggered protests and renewed concerns about the safety of media professionals covering politically sensitive incidents.
Journalists Aranganathan of Dinakaran and Kalyanasundaram of Dinamalar, along with YouTuber Siva, were initially taken to Sholinghur Government Hospital following the alleged assault on Monday night, July 27. Reports said they later received further treatment at a private hospital in Vellore.
TVK MLA Journalist Attack in Sholinghur: What Happened?
The incident was reportedly connected to a video recorded around the first-day screening of the film Jana Nayagan. The clip appeared to show Sholinghur MLA G Kapil raising his hand in a threatening gesture when journalists approached him for a comment.
After the video circulated through news outlets and social media, Kapil, his brother, and others allegedly attempted to identify the person who had uploaded it. YouTuber Siva was subsequently confronted at or near his studio in Sholinghur.
According to reports, the confrontation occurred at around 8.30 pm. When Kalyanasundaram and Aranganathan reached the location to report on the incident, they were also allegedly surrounded and assaulted.
Their mobile phones were reportedly seized or damaged, and recorded footage was allegedly deleted. Members of the public intervened before the three injured men were taken for medical treatment.
The incident prompted demonstrations by journalists and residents seeking action against those involved. Protests were reported in Ranipet, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, and Tirupattur districts.
Ranipet Press Club Files Police Complaint
Members of the Ranipet Press Club filed a complaint at the Sholinghur police station on Tuesday, July 28. They sought legal action against the MLA, his brother, and other people allegedly involved in the incident.
The organisation said journalists, camerapersons, and media professionals perform their duties in the public interest and should be able to report without violence or intimidation.
It maintained that physically preventing journalists from gathering news could affect freedom of expression and the media’s ability to carry out its democratic responsibilities.
Chennai Press Club Demands Immediate Action
The Chennai Press Club also condemned the alleged assault and urged the Tamil Nadu government to ensure that everyone involved is investigated, irrespective of political position.
The organisation sought action concerning the alleged assault, obstruction of journalistic work, seizure of mobile phones and deletion of recorded footage. It argued that political authority should not place any individual above the law.
Sholinghur Police Investigation Continues
Sholinghur police have said they are investigating the incident. At the time of the initial reports, MLA Kapil was unavailable for comment despite attempts by journalists to contact him.
The accusations remain under investigation, and responsibility has not been established through a completed police inquiry or judicial process. Further legal action will depend on witness statements, medical records, available videos, damaged devices, and other evidence collected by investigators.
The case has brought renewed attention to journalist safety in Tamil Nadu. Media organisations are demanding a transparent investigation and adequate protection for reporters carrying out professional duties.
