Was a 'Sakshi TV' Anchor Arrested for Offensive Comments on Amaravati Women?
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Synopsis
The arrest of Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, a senior journalist and anchor at 'Sakshi TV,' has ignited controversy. Accused of making derogatory remarks about Amaravati women, his detention has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding media ethics and political discourse.
Key Takeaways
- Kommineni Srinivasa Rao arrested for derogatory comments.
- Legal action taken under the SC/ST Act.
- Political leaders demand accountability and condemn remarks.
- YSR Congress Party claims the outrage is politically motivated.
- Incident highlights the importance of ethical journalism.
Hyderabad, June 9 (NationPress) Senior journalist and 'Sakshi TV' anchor Kommineni Srinivasa Rao was taken into custody on Monday by the Andhra Pradesh police for purportedly making offensive comments about women from the Amaravati region during a live debate.
He was apprehended at his home in Journalists’ Colony, Hyderabad, and subsequently transported to Andhra Pradesh for further legal actions.
Srinivasa Rao is set to appear before a court in the Guntur district, where a case has been filed at the Thullur Police Station. This arrest stems from a complaint made by State Madiga Corporation Director Khambampati Sirisha.
In addition to Srinivasa Rao, political analyst V.V.R. Krishnam Raju and the management of 'Sakshi TV' have also been implicated in the FIR.
The individuals named have been charged under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act as well as other pertinent sections of the IPC.
A number of women farmers from Amaravati and members of various Joint Action Committees (JACs) have also lodged complaints, denouncing remarks that allegedly labeled Amaravati as a “capital of prostitutes”—a statement perceived as a severe and degrading insult to the women who surrendered their land for the city’s development.
Assembly Deputy Speaker K. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju has also filed a complaint with the Director General of Police (DGP), demanding strict action. “Such remarks are not only biased but a serious breach of journalistic ethics and human decency,” he remarked.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu vehemently condemned the comments broadcasted on the channel owned by former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
“Our culture respects daughters and mothers. Vulgar and disgraceful comments against them, under the guise of political dialogue or media commentary, are unacceptable,” Naidu stated.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan echoed this sentiment, cautioning that the government would pursue rigorous legal action. He characterized the remarks as part of a politically driven smear campaign against Amaravati and its women land contributors.
“This is not an isolated occurrence. It’s part of a well-orchestrated conspiracy. The public must discern the true intentions of Jagan Mohan Reddy and his media apparatus,” he asserted.
In the meantime, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) dismissed the outrage as a “malicious campaign” spearheaded by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and its affiliated media. YSRCP leader Pothina Mahesh clarified that the journalist's comments do not reflect the party’s stance.
“TDP is intentionally amplifying these remarks to distract from the significant public backlash against our recent protests,” Mahesh claimed.
He further accused the TDP and its social media faction of hypocrisy, asserting that they routinely engage in online harassment, including targeting YSRCP women leaders and supporters. “These platforms are financed by Nara Lokesh to tarnish opponents and propagate misinformation,” Mahesh alleged.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the implications of such incidents on journalistic credibility and public discourse. This case exemplifies the need for responsible journalism that upholds ethical standards while fostering constructive dialogue. As the nation watches, it is vital to address these issues with sensitivity and a commitment to truth.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the remarks made by Kommineni Srinivasa Rao?
Kommineni Srinivasa Rao allegedly referred to Amaravati as the 'capital of prostitutes,' which has been widely condemned as offensive.
Who filed complaints against the anchor?
Complaints were filed by State Madiga Corporation Director Khambampati Sirisha, several Amaravati-based women, and political leaders.
What legal actions have been taken?
Srinivasa Rao has been charged under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and other sections of the IPC.
What was the reaction from the political leaders?
Political leaders, including Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, have condemned the remarks and called for strict action.
What does YSR Congress Party say about the incident?
The YSR Congress Party dismissed the outrage as a malicious campaign by the Telugu Desam Party, asserting the statements do not reflect their views.
