MUMBAI: IBN7 and IBN Lokmat's Mumbai office was ransacked by Shiv Sena activists on Friday, using iron rods, cricket stumps and baseball bats.

A mob of 20-30 people attacked journalists and damaged property at the offices of the IBN Network. The attackers told employees that they would not accept reports criticizing the Shiv Sena and their supremo Bal Thackeray.

The police later arrested seven Shiv Sena activists for vandalising these offices.

Meanwhile, eight Shiv Sena workers in Pune were arrested for damaging an IBN7 OB van and pelting stones at the channel’s office in the city.

Reportedly, attackers in Mumbai told employees they were looking for IBN Lokmat editor-in-chief Nikhil Wagle, and wanted to “teach him a lesson”.

Condemning the attack, Broadcast Editors' Association has issued a statement, describing it as an "attack on freedom of expression" and the handiwork of elements who want to undermine the role of pen, microphone and camera. "Such attacks go against the basic tenets of democracy and need to be condemned in the harshest possible terms," it said.