A Calgary journalist with over 20 years of experience in the province says he now fears for his safety after a disturbing incident earlier this month.

At the office of Calgary Forest Lawn MP Deepak Obhrai, Kumar Sharma told reporters about a vicious attack on August 19.

Journalist Kumar Sharma (left) says a group of men attacked him last weekend following a concert pic.twitter.com/WDSiteoy0h — Tom Ross (@Tommy_Slick) August 27, 2018

Sharma was attending a Punjabi open-air concert (Mela) in northeast Calgary when he was first approached by two men.

The day before, he received a screenshot of a Facebook post referencing United Conservative Party nominee hopeful Hardyal Singh (Happy) Mann. The men, who Sharma said were affiliated with Mann, talked to him about the post.

“They threatened me with dire consequences, referring to that Facebook post. The situation became so tense that I feared for my safety. Because of that, I deleted my shared Facebook post right on the spot,” said Sharma.

However, the incident worsened a few hours later, when Sharma said he heard the two men had contacted more people to come to the concert.

“Just a few feet away from reaching my vehicle, I was viciously attacked from behind by a group of men. From the evidence that is already with police, there were at least seven men, who attacked me all at once. I did not recognize any of the individuals.”

Police and EMS arrived at the scene shortly after. EMS tell 660 NEWS that they responded to an assault, with one victim in non-life threatening condition and denying transport to hospital. Calgary police add that they are investigating, but have no further information at this time.

Shumar says the injuries left him on bed rest for a week, but he vows to return to his radio show on Saturday.

Obhrai says in a time where more journalists are being threatened, this particular incident is very concerning.

“The vicious assault on Mr. Kumar Sharma is political violence against a journalist. We’ve now had two incidents in Canada: one in Toronto and one here,” said Obhrai. “Any violence against anyone is unacceptable. We must also speak out when media journalists are attacked because of their political views. This is not only an attack on freedom of speech but toward our main democratic principle. I, therefore, call upon the law enforcement agencies, particularly Calgary police, in this case, to investigate and charge those associated with this heinous crime. Especially because we all now are concerned for our own safety.”

Obhrai presented several photos, one of which showing Sharma being kicked while on the ground. Some faces are circled in red, and in other examples, it appears the same people have been photographed with Mann prior to the attack.

The United Conservative Party has responded to the allegations, and released the following statement:

“The UCP strongly condemns these violent acts and wish Mr. Sharma a full and speedy recovery.

We hope the Calgary Police quickly brings the perpetrators to justice and ask anyone with knowledge to contact the police.

We are aware of the allegations linking the event to an aspiring nomination contestant (note: the contestant has not yet been approved by the Party to run).

While the criminal investigation is obviously paramount, the UCP also asks that individuals with relevant information bring it to our attention as a review is underway.

Any individuals using violence such as this are not welcome in our party.”

660 NEWS contacted Mann’s realty office by phone. He picked up but said he has no comment at this point.

In the meantime, as Sharma prepares to go back to work, he says the incident has left him scared.

“Especially for my family. I’ve got kids, my family. And I have to go alone a lot of times, so yes, I am definitely terrified.”