Karimnagar, Telangana – A shocking incident unfolded late last night in Karimnagar town, where a traffic ACP allegedly verbally abused and manhandled a senior media photographer who was covering the Bathukamma festival. The incident has triggered anger and concern among journalist associations, who are now preparing for protests against what they call “high-handed and unacceptable behavior” by the police.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident took place around 11:30 PM when a senior photographer from a local media outlet was on his way to cover the Bathukamma idol immersion. Due to a traffic jam near the immersion point, the journalist tried to cross the road by stepping over a divider — a move that led to an aggressive confrontation.
The Traffic ACP, identified as Swamy, reportedly stopped the photographer and shouted, “Who the hell are you?” followed by a string of vulgar abuses. When the photographer and a fellow journalist explained that they were senior media personnel covering the festival, the officer allegedly continued his tirade, saying:
“Are you really a senior photographer? Don’t you have any common sense? Useless fellow!”
Witnesses say the ACP forcibly seized the journalist’s motorcycle and, in a fit of anger, even scolded a traffic constable on duty. He reportedly ordered the constable to record video footage of the scene and instructed him to impound the motorcycle and ensure it didn’t leave the police station without his explicit permission.
With no means of transport and no resolution in sight, the journalists were forced to walk home late at night, raising concerns over their safety and the deteriorating relationship between the police and the press.
The incident has caused a wave of outrage among local journalist unions, who condemned the ACP’s behavior and demanded immediate action. “Is this how the police treat journalists covering cultural events?” asked a senior member of a local journalist association. “This is an attack not just on one person, but on press freedom.”
Journalist organizations are now planning a formal protest and have urged higher officials to intervene, investigate the incident, and ensure such behavior is not repeated.
