Rioters ransack India TV station

MUMBAI, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- A mob angry over criticism of their right-wing leader by a Mumbai television station ransacked the broadcaster's offices, authorities say.

The rioters identified themselves as members of the regional Shiv Sena party who were incensed over criticism of their militant leader, Bal Thackeray, on the IBN Lokmat station, CNN reported Saturday.

Rajkumar Vhatkar, a deputy Mumbai commissioner of police, told the U.S. broadcaster seven people had been arrested, while about 15 to 20 people more suspects were expected to be taken into custody.

CNN said Shiv Sena and a breakaway group, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, claim to be champions of issues in Maharashtra state, and frequently focus their scorn on migrants lured to Mumbai for jobs.

IBN said a mob of 35-40 men armed with hockey sticks and martial arts canes barged into the IBN Lokmat offices Friday afternoon, smashing television sets, destroying computers, and damaging phones and other equipment before attacking the staff.

IBN Lokmat editor Nikhil Wagle was among those assaulted, the broadcaster said.

"(The police) took 45 minutes (to arrive), when they should have been here in 10 minutes flat," Wagle said.