Is a Senior Journalist Facing Judicial Custody for Controversial Remarks?
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Synopsis
A senior journalist's career hangs in the balance as he faces judicial custody for allegedly making insulting remarks about women during a TV debate. The incident has sparked outrage and demands for accountability, raising questions about freedom of speech and media responsibility.
Key Takeaways
- Journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao faces judicial custody for derogatory comments.
- The incident highlights the tensions between media freedom and accountability.
- Women from Amaravati have voiced their outrage over the remarks.
- Political parties are divided on their responses to the situation.
- Legal actions are in process under the SC/ST Act.
Amaravati, June 10 (NationPress) A court located in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh has placed senior journalist and anchor of Sakshi TV, Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, into judicial custody for a period of 14 days. This decision follows a case filed against him due to alleged derogatory remarks directed at women from the state capital, Amaravati, during a televised discussion.
The journalist was presented before the Mangalagiri court, which subsequently ordered his incarceration. Following this, he was relocated to the Guntur district jail.
A police team from the Thullur Police Station apprehended Rao at his home in Hyderabad on Monday and transported him to Vijayawada.
Rao had recently moderated a debate featuring V.V.R. Krishnam Raju, a journalist and political analyst, on the Sakshi Telugu news channel, owned by the YSR Congress Party President and former Chief Minister, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. The debate ignited significant controversy over certain remarks allegedly made by Raju.
The police have filed charges against Srinivasa Rao, Krishnam Raju, and the management of Sakshi TV for the purported offensive comments aimed at farmers and women of Amaravati, prompted by a complaint from Khambampati Sirisha, director of the State Madiga Corporation.
Legal action has been initiated under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and other relevant sections.
Authorities are actively searching for Krishnam Raju, who is currently evading capture in Vijayawada.
Women farmers, along with representatives from various Amaravati Joint Action Committees (JACs), have also submitted police complaints.
Complainants have vocally condemned the statement referring to Amaravati as the “capital of prostitutes,” labeling it a “profound insult” to the women.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan have denounced these disgraceful remarks against women, asserting that those responsible will face consequences.
Rayapati Sailaja, Chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh Women’s Commission, has demanded an unconditional apology from the TV management, emphasizing that the Commission is treating this matter with utmost seriousness due to the targeted insults against women.
The YSR Congress Party has countered these allegations, denouncing what they term a baseless smear campaign orchestrated by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and its affiliates.
YSRCP leader Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy stated that the anchor had warned the analyst against making such remarks, which were reportedly based on a media report. The anchor did not pursue the topic further.
Sajjala, who previously advised the state government, accused Chief Minister Naidu of attempting to escalate the situation into a major controversy.
Despite clarifications from both Srinivasa Rao and Krishnam Raju, the discussion gained significant traction.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach this issue with a balanced lens. The case of Kommineni Srinivasa Rao underscores the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the potential harm that can arise from irresponsible remarks. It is essential to hold media personalities accountable while also ensuring that discussions around such sensitive issues are approached with care and respect.
NationPress
11/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the arrest of Kommineni Srinivasa Rao?
Kommineni Srinivasa Rao was arrested following allegations of making derogatory remarks about women during a television debate, which resulted in a police complaint.
What are the charges against Rao?
Rao faces charges under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for the alleged derogatory comments made during the show.
Who else is involved in this case?
Along with Rao, political analyst V.V.R. Krishnam Raju and the management of Sakshi TV have also been implicated in the case.
What has been the public response?
The remarks have sparked outrage among women farmers and various Amaravati Joint Action Committees, leading to multiple complaints and calls for accountability.
What is the stance of the YSR Congress Party on this matter?
The YSR Congress Party has condemned the allegations as a baseless smear campaign by the Telugu Desam Party and defended the actions of their media personnel.
