MUMBAI: Media under attack.Politicians lead the pack.The views channel from the Sri Adhikari Brothers' stable- Janmat channel office in Andheri, Mumbai had witnessed a crowd in support of Govinda, shouting slogans against the channel.

The Bollywood actor and Congress MP from north-Mumbai constituency, Govinda has been booked on charges of assault for threatening the Janmat reporter. The incident took place at the actor's suburban office in Juhu, yesterday (22 December). The tiff between Govinda and the journalist triggered off when the journalist quizzed him on his linkage with the underworld don Dawood Abrahim following a question on his possible relationship with the Bollywood actress Rani Mukerjee.

Sources close to the development add, "Govinda was alleged to have assaulted the journalist and snatched the video-tapes on which the interview was recorded."

The journalist has filed an first-information report (FIR) at the Juhu police station, wherein the Bollywood actor has been booked under assault. The offences mentioned by the journalist were of non-cognisable nature.

To clear the air, Govinda's brother Kirti Kumar along with a close associate Capt Rakesh Singh visited the Janmat's office.

Sri Adhikari Brothers vice-chairman Markhand Adhikari says," We are very hurt with the whole situation. Our office was under attack by the mob, who threatened my staff." Adhikari adds," I will register a complaint against this as I've to be prepared if they turn up again. We have beefed up the security outside our official premise."

When quizzed as to what was the outcome of the dialogue, he states," The deputy-editor of the channel had a dialogue with Kirti Kumar only on humanitarian grounds."

Addressing the protest crowd, Govinda's brother Kirti Kumar stated, " "The purpose of our visit has been conveyed to Markhand bhai and the matter seems to have been settled. If need be we will discuss again."

He further added," Govinda would be very happy to learn that the protest march was peaceful and adhered to the principals and values of the party -Congress (I)."

While the crowd protested outside the Janmat office, according to the supporters, Govinda was said to be in a meeting with few party members on the issue.

On the other hand, the Lok Sabha sessions discussing the recent sting operations on TV on politicians have them strongly criticising the media representatives and demanding an inquiry on the motive of chasing the politicians.

Pics By VICKY AHUJA