Chinese senior security officials are now being questioned for allegedly participating in a lavish dinner where a critically endangered giant salamander was reportedly served.

A local newspaper had reported three of its journalists were beaten up after trying to take photos of guests at the dinner.

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The meal, which was said to have cost over US$800 or CNY5,400, reportedly took place at the Donghu Reservoir Pearl Seafood Restaurant in the southern city of Shenzhen last week.

At least 14 policemen have been suspended over the incident.

China President Xi Jinping had declared a ban on official extravagance as part of the country's austerity and anti-corruption drive.

In April last year, China approved stricter penalties for people caught eating rare wild animals. Those caught may be jailed for up to 10 years.  The practice of eating wild animals or their products has fuelled poaching.

The Southern Metropolis Daily had documented the incident in its extensive report. It said, it received a call from a concerned citizen, that some officials were treating themselves to a lavish dinner, and where they would be eating the giant salamander dish.

At that point, the paper sent three of its reporters to the restaurant to investigate.  They also managed to sneak into the dining area, where they attempted to take photographs. 

One of the diners later confirmed with the paper that they were served a giant salamander. Each diner was also said to be have received a a bag of fish from the reservoir, where fishing is prohibited. 

The situation turned tense when the officials noticed photos of them are being taken. Some of the guests reportedly took the journalists' cameras and mobile phones by force. The reporters also claimed they were beaten up and throttled.

At least one official from the public security bureau had claimed, the dinner was paid for by a retired official.

Tagssalamander, salamander dinner, lavish dinner, Southern Metropolis Daily