Why Was Another Andhra Journalist Arrested for Controversial Remarks?
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Synopsis
In a shocking incident, journalist VV Krishnam Raju was arrested for derogatory remarks about women during a live debate. This event has sparked outrage and legal action, igniting a fierce debate about media accountability and the treatment of women in Andhra Pradesh.
Key Takeaways
- VV Krishnam Raju was arrested for derogatory remarks during a live TV show.
- The incident has raised issues regarding media accountability.
- Legal actions encompass multiple acts concerning derogatory remarks.
- Political leaders have condemned the remarks and demanded accountability.
- Women's rights advocates have called for an apology from the TV management.
Amaravati, June 11 (NationPress) The Andhra Pradesh Police have apprehended journalist and political analyst VV Krishnam Raju for allegedly making offensive comments regarding women from the Amaravati region during a discussion on the Telugu news channel Sakshi, which is owned by former chief minister and YSR Congress Party president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Krishnam Raju, who was reportedly evading arrest, was taken into custody by law enforcement on Wednesday night near the Gosthani river in Bheemili, located in the Visakhapatnam district. Two others accompanying him were also arrested and were being transported to Vijayawada.
During a live debate on June 6, Krishnam Raju allegedly referred to Amaravati as a 'capital of prostitutes'.
Law enforcement has already detained senior journalist and Sakshi TV anchor Kommineni Srinivas, who moderated the debate.
A case was initiated against the two journalists and the management of Sakshi TV on June 9.
The case was registered at the Thullur Police Station in the Guntur district, encompassing various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Information Technology Act, and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The FIR cites offences under sections 79, 196(1), 353(2), 299, 356(2), 61(1)BNS, 67 ITA-2008, 3(1)(U), SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
A police team arrested Srinivasa Rao from his home in Hyderabad on Monday and subsequently transported him to Guntur.
A court on Tuesday placed him in judicial custody for 14 days, after which he was transferred to the Guntur district jail.
A significant uproar ensued over certain remarks allegedly made by the analyst during the broadcast.
Upon a complaint by State Madiga Corporation director Khambampati Sirisha, the police charged Srinivasa Rao, Krishnam Raju, and the management of Sakshi TV for the purported derogatory comments against farmers and women from Amaravati.
Women farmers and representatives from several Amaravati Joint Action Committees (JACs) have also lodged police complaints.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan condemned the disgraceful remarks against women, warning that those responsible would face consequences.
Rayapati Sailaja, Chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh Women’s Commission, demanded an unconditional apology from the TV management to the entire state, asserting the Commission's serious stance on the issue, as Sakshi TV and its management have insulted women.
Conversely, the YSR Congress Party denounced what it termed as unfounded allegations and a malicious campaign orchestrated by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), its social media operatives, and affiliated ‘yellow media’ against YSRCP and its leadership.
Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, a YSRCP leader, stated that the anchor had cautioned the analyst about the remarks, which were based on a media report. He noted that the presenter did not pursue the discussion further.
Sajjala, a former advisor to the state government, accused Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of having a hidden agenda to escalate the situation.
Despite Srinivasa Rao's clarification and Krishnam Raju's explanation, the issue continued to circulate widely.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach this incident with a balanced perspective, recognizing the complexities of freedom of speech in journalism while also acknowledging the responsibility that comes with it. The arrest of VV Krishnam Raju highlights the critical discourse surrounding media ethics and the treatment of women in society, emphasizing the need for accountability without stifling journalistic expression.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the remarks made by VV Krishnam Raju?
VV Krishnam Raju reportedly referred to Amaravati as the 'capital of prostitutes' during a live debate.
What legal actions were taken against the journalists?
The Andhra Pradesh Police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Information Technology Act, and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Who else was arrested in connection with this incident?
Senior journalist Kommineni Srinivas, who moderated the debate, was also arrested.
What has been the reaction from political leaders?
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan condemned the remarks and warned of consequences for those involved.
What demands have been made by women's rights activists?
Rayapati Sailaja, Chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh Women’s Commission, demanded an unconditional apology from the TV management.
