Ambika Soni condemns Mid Day journalist's murder

NEW DELHI: Condemning the killing of J Dey, a senior journalist of an English tabloid in Mumbai, the Union information and broadcasting Minister, Ambika Soni, on Saturday said no civilized society can tolerate this kind of attack on the freedom of the press.

"This act has challenged the freedom of press and the perusal of objective reporting. This incident is a sign of insanity perpetuated by mindless individuals in which innocent citizens are killed. No civilized society can tolerate this kind of attack on freedom of press," she said in a condolence message.

She expressed confidence in the "home minister of Maharashtra will live up to his assurance of tracking down the assailants in the shortest possible time".

Earlier in the day, Maharashtra home minister R R Patil said the guilty would be arrested.

Dey (56), working as editor (special investigation) with the tabloid, was shot dead on Saturday by four unidentified persons in Mumbai.