Shillong, Jan 24: A freelance journalist was allegedly assaulted by timber smugglers at a remote area in Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills district, police said today.

Biplap Dey was assaulted when he went to capture the evidence of illegal transportation of timbers from Athiabari area yesterday night.

The attackers also destroyed the camera and the mobile phone of the journalist to destroy evidence.

Police said that they are investigating into the matter.

Meanwhile, the Shillong Press Club and Meghalaya Electronic Media Association has condemned the attacked on Mr Dey.

Urging the police to immediately arrest the criminals and deal with them as per law, the Shillong Press said that journalists would never be cowed down by such acts of cowardice.

The Meghalaya Electronic Media Association has termed the act as an attack on the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression of the media/press that play a crucial role in enabling citizens to know what is happening around, to keep the public informed and to expose the misdeeds of the mighty & powerful.

Meanwhile, the United Democratic Party has also condemned the attack on the journalist and urged upon the government to swiftly arrest the culprits and prosecute them as per law.

“Such acts should never be tolerated and should be dealt with an iron hand,” UDP leader, Allantry Frankiln Dkhar said.