Piduguralla, Palnadu District: Allegations are being made that local police are threatening a journalist in Piduguralla town of Palnadu district. It is reported that the police, under the name of investigation, called the journalist and issued warnings.
According to the details given by the journalist, he said that he has only reflected people’s issues and development matters, not for any political benefit, but as part of his professional responsibility. However, some Jana Sena leaders allegedly targeted him and politicized caste association issues. They reportedly used the Piduguralla CI as a cover and questioned, “Why did you post messages in WhatsApp groups?” and said that a case had been filed against him, which led to threats and pressure.
It is alleged that at around 9:00 p.m., police were sent to his house at night and the CI threatened him to come to the police station. Some police officers reportedly took away the reporter’s phone.
Politicizing a caste association WhatsApp group conversation and the Piduguralla CI taking special interest to threaten the reporter is not acceptable, sources said. When the reporter asked for clarification about what happened, the CI allegedly behaved rudely.
Media associations expressed strong anger over the incident. They said such threats against journalists are against democracy and press freedom. They demanded that the government take immediate action and conduct a fair investigation.
Media unions also requested the District SP to give proper instructions to the police. They appealed to ensure the safety of journalists and take strict action against those responsible.
However, the Piduguralla police have not yet released any official statement regarding these allegations.
