The Crossbill News Desk
Thullur police arrested senior journalist Kommineni Srinivas Rao (KSR) from his residence in Hyderabad’s Journalists’ Colony on Monday (June 9), days after political commentator VV Krishnamraju made disparaging remarks about women from the Amaravati region during a debate on Sakshi TV.
The channel is owned by YS Bharathi, wife of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
The arrest follows a complaint filed by Kambampati Sireesha, a resident of Rayapudi village, under multiple sections, including the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, IT Act, and BNS provisions, against Krishnamraju, KSR, and the TV channel’s management. KSR is expected to be produced before the Mangalagiri court on Tuesday.
The controversy erupted on June 6 when Krishnamraju, during a debate moderated by KSR, allegedly referred to Amaravati as the "capital of prostitutes," sparking widespread condemnation.
The remarks led to 52 complaints across Andhra Pradesh, with critics accusing the channel of insulting women and tarnishing the region’s reputation.
The incident has deepened existing tensions between media houses aligned with rival political parties.
Sakshi Media Group, owned by YSRCP leaders, has long been seen as pro-Jagan, while outlets like Eenadu and ABN Andhra Jyothy are perceived to support the ruling TDP. This polarization has often resulted in accusations of biased reporting and legal battles.
YSRCP leaders, including Jagan Mohan Reddy, condemned KSR’s arrest as politically motivated, arguing that the anchor had no control over a panelist’s remarks.
They accused the TDP government of suppressing press freedom and diverting attention from governance failures. Party leaders also highlighted past instances where TDP-aligned media allegedly escaped scrutiny for similar offenses.
In contrast, the ruling TDP and its ally Jana Sena defended the police action, calling Krishnamraju’s comments "vulgar and unacceptable."
Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan alleged a "well-orchestrated conspiracy" by Sakshi TV and YSRCP. Andhra Pradesh Mahila Commission Chairperson Rayapati Sailaja lauded the arrest and questioned Krishnamraju’s absence.
Meanwhile, protests erupted outside Sakshi TV’s Guntur office, with activists demanding an apology. TDP MLA Dhulipalla Narendra Kumar accused the channel of deliberately insulting women opposed to YSRCP.
As the political slugfest continues, the case underscores the volatile intersection of media, politics, and free speech in Andhra Pradesh.
The channel is owned by YS Bharathi, wife of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
The arrest follows a complaint filed by Kambampati Sireesha, a resident of Rayapudi village, under multiple sections, including the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, IT Act, and BNS provisions, against Krishnamraju, KSR, and the TV channel’s management. KSR is expected to be produced before the Mangalagiri court on Tuesday.
The controversy erupted on June 6 when Krishnamraju, during a debate moderated by KSR, allegedly referred to Amaravati as the "capital of prostitutes," sparking widespread condemnation.
The remarks led to 52 complaints across Andhra Pradesh, with critics accusing the channel of insulting women and tarnishing the region’s reputation.
The incident has deepened existing tensions between media houses aligned with rival political parties.
Sakshi Media Group, owned by YSRCP leaders, has long been seen as pro-Jagan, while outlets like Eenadu and ABN Andhra Jyothy are perceived to support the ruling TDP. This polarization has often resulted in accusations of biased reporting and legal battles.
YSRCP leaders, including Jagan Mohan Reddy, condemned KSR’s arrest as politically motivated, arguing that the anchor had no control over a panelist’s remarks.
They accused the TDP government of suppressing press freedom and diverting attention from governance failures. Party leaders also highlighted past instances where TDP-aligned media allegedly escaped scrutiny for similar offenses.
In contrast, the ruling TDP and its ally Jana Sena defended the police action, calling Krishnamraju’s comments "vulgar and unacceptable."
Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan alleged a "well-orchestrated conspiracy" by Sakshi TV and YSRCP. Andhra Pradesh Mahila Commission Chairperson Rayapati Sailaja lauded the arrest and questioned Krishnamraju’s absence.
Meanwhile, protests erupted outside Sakshi TV’s Guntur office, with activists demanding an apology. TDP MLA Dhulipalla Narendra Kumar accused the channel of deliberately insulting women opposed to YSRCP.
As the political slugfest continues, the case underscores the volatile intersection of media, politics, and free speech in Andhra Pradesh.
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