Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has warned that attacks on media representatives will not be tolerated and that the government will stand by the victim’s family, stating that the government will act strictly to protect media rights. The Chief Minister met Shivakumar, a photographer from Andhra Jyoti in Chittoor district, who was seriously injured in an attack by YCP activists while covering former CM Jaganmohan Reddy’s Bangarupalyam tour, over the phone.
He asked Shivakumar, who is undergoing treatment at the Chittoor Government Hospital, about his health condition. He inquired about the medical tests conducted so far and the treatment he is receiving. He asked about the manner in which the attack took place. The CM assured Shivakumar and his family members that the government will stand by them in every way.
Later, Chandrababu posted on social media ‘X’ condemning the attack on Shivakumar. “I strongly condemn the attack on Shivakumar, a photographer from Andhra Jyoti in Bangarupalyam, Chittoor district, by a mob of YCP rowdies. It is inhumane to attack and injure a photographer who went to news coverage as part of his duty”, he said.
“When Shivakumar was talking about the manner in which the attack was carried out at the instigation of YSRCP leaders, I felt very sad. I have ordered the authorities to take strict action against those who attacked Shivakumar..,” Chandrababu added.
Meanwhile, TDP state president Palla Srinivasa Rao called Shivakumar and visited him. He assured that the TDP will support Shivakumar’s family. Chittoor MP Daggumalla Prasad Rao, Chandragiri and GD Nellore MLAs Pulivarthi Nani, TDP leaders and CPI leaders visited Shivakumar in the hospital and reassured his family members.
Meanwhile, the police have identified the YSRCP workers who beat Shivakumar during Jagan’s visit to Bangarupalyam in Chittoor district. Chittoor YCP in-charge Vijayananda Reddy’s follower Chakri and former Deputy CM Narayanaswamy’s follower Vinod were arrested. A case was registered against them under sections 118(1), 115/2, 324/4.
Former MLA Venkatesh Gowda’s follower Prakash Achari was identified as the leader of the attack. He is absconding. The police are investigating the role of Chandra (Palamaneru) and Mohan (GD Nellore). Journalists in the joint Chittoor district have submitted a memorandum to the authorities protesting the attack on Shivakumar. A protest demonstration was held in Nellore.
