Women journalists attacked in Telangana; FIR registered against five
Hyderabad: Telangana police have registered an FIR against five individuals on charges of wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation, and insulting the modesty of two women journalists working for digital media organisations. The incident occurred in Kondareddypalli, Mahabubnagar district, where the journalists had gone to report on a loan waiver issue.
On August 23, 2024, the two female journalists are scheduled to meet with Chairperson Neralla Sharada of the Women’s Commission at 11 a.m. and the Director General of Police (DGP) of Telangana at 1 p.m. to formally lodge complaints about the attack.
The two journalists have alleged that the accused, who they claim are affiliated with the Congress party, physically assaulted them, seized their cameras, and took away digital storage cards, hindering their ability to gather views from local residents. When the journalists requested the return of their equipment, they were reportedly assaulted again and prevented from leaving the place.
Following the incident, photographs of one of the alleged attackers with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and his brother surfaced on social media, fueling public outrage.
The Working President of BRS and former Minister KTR have strongly condemned the attack. In a statement, he said, “The attack on female journalists in CM’s native village Kondareddypalli by Congress goons is a grave stain on our democratic system and a violation of basic human decency.”
KTR further addressed Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, stating, “Is it now a crime for journalists to perform their duties? How is it acceptable to manhandle women journalists? These Congress goons in Kondareddypalli are no different from those responsible for the murder of Gauri Lankesh!”
Strongly condemn the attack on the female journalists in CM’s native village Kondareddypalli by Congress goons
It is not just a big blot on the democratic system but also the basic decency that is expected out of any human being
Dear @priyankagandhi Ji and @RahulGandhi Ji,…
— KTR (@KTRBRS) August 22, 2024
He added, “While we all call for the protection of women in this country, it is disheartening to see CM’s associates attacking women journalists. This assault was a direct response to their attempt to reveal the truth about a failing government.”
KTR also criticised the loan waiver initiative, calling it a scam, and questioned the Congress party’s commitment to democracy and women’s rights. He urged the Press Council, Human Rights Commission, and Women’s Commission to take suo motu notice of the incident and initiate appropriate action. The BRS has pledged to provide all necessary legal and medical assistance to the journalists involved.
