Orissa police chief B.B. Mishra Tuesday suspended a police officer for roughing up a journalist, officials said.

A group of policemen led by Assistant Sub-Inspector Kamraj Kanhar, who is posted at Phiringia police station in Phulbani district, had picked up a quarrel with a hotel owner.

When reporter Sadashiva Patra from the local Eenadu TV channel came to enquire about the incident, Kanhar allegedly beat him up and smashed his camera.

The police chief ordered Kanhar's suspension after Patra filed a complaint at the police station, officials said.