Kozhikode: Accusing the police of remaining 'silent spectators' to the attack on them by Muslim League activists at the Karipur airport near Kozhikode yesterday (Nov 1, 2004), the injured mediapersons said they were singled out by different groups before beaten up 'mercilessly'.

"Even as we arrived at the airport, groups of Muslim League volunteers separated us from the scene and began trading blows on us," 'Asianet' lady reporter, Deepa said at a private hospital where she had been admitted along with 10 others.

The scribes had gone to the airport to cover Muslim League State Secretary and Industries Minister, P K Kunhalikutty's arrival from Saudi Arabia where he had gone on pilgrimage. Hundreds of League activists had gathered there to accord a reception to Kunhalikutty, facing fresh charges of 'sex abuse' relating to the 1996 'ice cream parlour sex scandal'.

Besides abusing her for reporting against the Minister, the League activists also hit her from the back, she said adding that however they spared her after asking her to leave the place.

"I was banged on my shoulder back after twisting my arms." 'Janmabhoomi' reporter, Deepak Dharmadom said. "We were caught unwares and could not escape from the scene," he said.

Most of them alleged that police remained "silent spectators" and did not try to save them from agitated mob.

Among others hospitalised include 'India Vision' cameraman, Biju Muralidharan, 'Asianet' cameraman, K P Ramesh, 'Jeevan' TV Reporter, Ayyappa Das, 'Indian Express' photographer, N P Jayan, 'Kairali' TV cameraman, K Sailesh and 'Jeevan' TV cameraman, Suresh.