The Andhra Pradesh police on Friday filed criminal cases against R Dhanunjay Reddy, Editor of Sakshi Telugu Daily, and six other journalists for publishing an “investigative” report on the recent murder of YSR Congress Party worker Harishchandra in Palnadu district.
The FIR was reportedly registered under IPC Sections 196(1), 352, 353(2), 611(1), and others.
“This is nothing but a targeted attempt to criminalize independent journalism. The move has sent shockwaves across journalistic and civil society circles,” the YSRCP said in a statement.
According to the YSRCP, the Sakshi report exposed how individuals affiliated with the TDP allegedly kidnapped and murdered Harishchandra on April 3 near the Nagarjunasagar Hill Colony. Harishchandra had returned briefly from Telangana to collect his pension.
“The Sakshi team cited CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts, along with a grieving statement from Harishchandra’s wife and son, who clearly identified the accused as TDP supporters,” the party said.
Instead of investigating the murder, the state machinery acted swiftly against the journalists who reported on it.
A complaint was filed by TDP Macherla Mandal President N. Veeraswamy, and within hours, FIRs were registered — an action the YSRCP described as pre-planned and politically motivated retaliation.
“The entire episode reflects a grave misuse of police machinery to protect the perpetrators of political violence while harassing journalists who expose the truth,” the party added.
The Sakshi editorial board responded by stating that their only “crime” was bringing the truth to light and that such brazen attempts at suppression would not be tolerated in a democracy.
