KIRANMAI TUTIKA I hyderabad

Andhra Pradesh police on Monday morning arrested senior journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao from his residence in Hyderabad. The arrest comes amid serious allegations that a recent televised debate on a TV debate defamed women of Amaravati, triggering public outrage and a storm of protests across the state.

The controversy erupted after journalist Krishnam Raju, in a primetime panel show made an incendiary remark describing Amaravati as “not a capital of goddesses, but a capital of prostitutes.” The remark was met with immediate condemnation from women’s organizations, political parties, and Dalit groups. Kommineni, who moderated the debate, is accused of tacitly endorsing the statement by failing to denounce it during the broadcast.

Following multiple complaints filed at various police stations — notably at Thullur Police Station by women from Amaravati — the police registered a case against three entities: Krishnam Raju (A1), Kommineni Srinivasa Rao (A2), and Sakshi Channel management (A3). Charges have been framed under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the IT Act, and other non-bailable sections.

According to sources, police examined the footage closely before initiating legal action. Kommineni was taken into custody without a warrant early Monday and is being transported to Vijayawada, from where he is likely to be produced before a court in Guntur or Mangalagiri after further interrogation at Thullur station.

Meanwhile, the police have launched a search for Krishnam Raju, who is reportedly absconding. His Vijayawada residence was found locked, and authorities suspect he may be hiding in Hyderabad. Special police teams have been dispatched to locate him by Monday evening.

In a video statement before being taken away, Kommineni Srinivasa Rao strongly alleged political vendetta. “This is not law enforcement, this is punishment for being vocal. I didn’t even utter the phrase ‘Amaravati women,’ yet I’m being framed to silence me,” he said. He claimed that during his earlier tenure with a News channel, he had questioned the Amaravati land pooling and exposed irregularities, which had made him a political target.

“The police came to my home without any proper warrant. They only showed ID cards. They said people from Thullur lodged a complaint. Who are these people? TDP workers?” he asked, questioning the transparency of the action.

Kommineni stated that he was cooperative but disturbed by the lack of legal procedure. “No local constable was involved. No warrant. This is not justice — this is harassment,” he added. He expressed anguish that his family was emotionally shaken by the incident, especially his wife and son. “At 70 years of age, this is not what I expected. This is clearly an attempt to mentally break me.” The arrest has triggered a fresh political row, with debates now intensifying on freedom of the press, due process, and the politicization of law enforcement.