Article Today, Amaravati:
The arrest of Sakshi TV anchor Kommineni Srinivasa Rao by Andhra Pradesh police has created a big stir in the Sakshi media organization and the Journalists working there are now feeling tense and afraid about what might happen next. Just last month, the AP police targeted Sakshi Editor Dhanunjaya Reddy and conducted searches at his residence in Vijayawada. As the AP police continuously target senior people from Sakshi, many journalists feel worried and unsure about what they can or cannot write
Remarks Against Amaravati Women Led to Arrest…
The Andhra Pradesh police arrested Kommineni Srinivasa Rao on Monday morning in Hyderabad. The police arrested him in a case accusing him of making insulting comments about the women of Amaravati. An individual filed the complaint at the Thullur Police Station in Guntur district. The police booked Kommineni, journalist Krishna Raju, and the Sakshi management in connection with the case. Just four days earlier, during a debate on Sakshi TV, journalist Krishna Raju made highly controversial comments, saying “Amaravati is not a city of goddesses, but a city of prostitutes.” These comments sparked outrage across the state.
Protests in Front of Sakshi Offices…
Women’s groups, political parties, and leaders from various organizations strongly condemned the comments made during the debate. They demanded immediate arrest of those who insulted women. Massive protests and rallies took place across the state. While the Sakshi management rejected the arrests and the protests, they also claimed that people in the disguise of protestors attacked Sakshi offices. They alleged that attacks happened at their offices in Vijayawada, Tirupati, Kadapa, Srikakulam, and Anantapur. Former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy also condemned Kommineni’s arrest, calling it an act of political revenge against a 70-year-old man.
Jagan Angered by Sakshi TV Debate
Sources report that Jagan Mohan Reddy was very upset about the comments made during the Sakshi TV debate regarding the women of Amaravati. He reportedly called some senior staff from Sakshi TV and strictly questioned them about how such careless remarks were allowed to be aired. He is said to have told them clearly that individuals who cannot show basic respect towards women should not be invited to participate in debates. Jagan also instructed them to take strict action against those responsible. Additionally, he reportedly gave Sakshi Daily Editor Dhanunjaya Reddy clear directives on how to handle such situations and ensure they do not occur again.
YS Sharmila’s Strong Reaction…
YS Sharmila openly criticized Sakshi TV, saying that the debates conducted by the channel were becoming worse and more irresponsible. She expressed anger that a debate which insulted Amaravati women was even allowed on the channel. Speaking to the media in Chittoor, Sharmila demanded that Sakshi TV Chairperson Bharathi Reddy immediately issue a public apology. She also said it would be better if former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy himself apologizes for what happened. Sharmila added that Sakshi should focus on people’s real problems instead of conducting such meaningless and insulting debates. She strongly criticized Sakshi, saying it has now become a media house that does not care about public issues.
