Four hacks get non-bailable rap

CHENNAI, June 18: Acting on a defamation complaint filed by Nakkeeran reporter P Sivasubramaniam, the XIV metropolitan magistrate has directed non-bailable warrants against Shyam, editor of Tamil weekly Tharasu, Nagaimugan, editor-publisher of Tamil weekly Dravidan Veeram and Uthra and Jagan, Tharasu reporters.

In his plea, Sivasubramaniam submitted that Tharasu had published an interview of Nagaimugan in its issue dated July 30, 1996, that had damaged his reputation. Nagaimugan had alleged that there was something fishy about a accident involving the Nakkeeran reporter. He had stated that a dispute between Sivasubramaniam and his editor R R Gopal 8212; about forest brigand Veerappan 8212; could have something to do with the accident.

Also, a denial statement by Sivasubramaniam too was allegedly twisted8217; in Tharasu the plea said. The case has been posted to June 29.