A group of supporters aligned with the ruling Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) in Andhra Pradesh orchestrated a demonstration outside the premises of a Telugu newspaper headquartered in Kurnool city, subsequently resorting to vandalism by damaging the office's name plate and windows. The incident, which transpired on Tuesday, unfolded in response to the publication of an article deemed unfavorable to Panyam MLA Katasani Rambhupal Reddy.
This reprehensible act has drawn condemnation from prominent political figures, including Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president Chandrababu Naidu and Andhra Pradesh Congress chief YS Sharmila.
According to reports, a contingent of YSRCP activists gathered at the site of the newspaper, demanding the apprehension of media tycoon Ramoji Rao, the proprietor of the publication. The demonstrators' actions escalated into violence as they reportedly attempted to forcibly enter the premises while causing damage to property.
Law enforcement authorities intervened upon receiving notification of the incident, swiftly moving to contain the situation. However, as of yet, no formal police complaint has been registered regarding the incident.
Expressing his dismay over the assault, Chandrababu Naidu denounced the attack, attributing blame to YSRCP's leadership, particularly Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, whom he accused of inciting violence against press entities and political opponents.
In a similar vein, YS Sharmila condemned the episode as "inhumane," characterizing it as a deliberate assault on press freedom. She highlighted the recurrent pattern of attacks on journalists and media outlets under the YSRCP administration, emphasizing the integral role of a free press in upholding democratic principles.
Sharmila asserted that assaults on media personnel constitute an affront to democracy, urging the state government to extend apologies to the injured journalist and undertake stringent measures to identify and prosecute the perpetrators. Additionally, she advocated for the provision of medical assistance and support to the affected journalist and their family, underscoring the government's responsibility to uphold the rights and safety of media professionals.
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