Shiv Sena has claimed responsibility for the attacks on IBN's offices in Mumbai and Pune on Friday evening. Party spokesman Sanjay Raut said that "criticism of Bal Thackeray would not be tolerated.

A group of 15 sainiks barged into the news channel's Mumbai office at Vikhroli, smashing windows and destroying furniture. IBN staffers managed to catch five of the attackers, but not before they had done a lot of damage.

In the second attack, the sainiks pelted stones at IBN's Pune office. In yet another incident, an IBN outdoor broadcast van was also attacked.

The reason for the attacks are unknown yet.

"It is shocking and outrageous," said Loksatta Editor Kumar Ketkar, adding that "it is an attack on the entire media."

Maharashtra Chief Minister also condemned the attacks.