Journalist Krishnam Raju has been arrested by the Thullur police in the case of making inappropriate comments against women in Amaravati. He, who had been absconding for the past few days, was caught based on the location of a cell tower near the Bhimili Gosthani river. Two others who were with Krishnam Raju have also been detained by the police.
The Thullur police are likely to produce all three in the Mangalagiri court later on Thursday. Journalist Krishnam Raju participated in a discussion program hosted by Kommineni Srinivasa Rao on YCP’s Sakshi TV. Speaking on the program, he made strong comments saying that the capital Amaravati is the capital of prostitutes.
There was a strong protest among the people across the state over these comments. Krishnam Raju is the A1 accused in the case of making inappropriate comments against women by saying that ‘Amaravathi is not the capital of gods but the capital of prostitutes’.
On the other hand, Sakshi journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao has already been arrested by the police in the same case. The Mangalagiri court has remanded him for 14 days. Similarly, the police, who were searching for Krishnam Raju, arrested him in Bhimili. He also released a video defending his comments from anonymity.
In protest against these comments, a rally was held at the Thullur police station and a complaint was filed by women. Cases were also registered against them in various police stations in several districts across the state. The National Women’s Commission and AP State Women’s Commission have also responded to these comments.
TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishnadevaraya has filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission over these comments. Krishnam Raju has also filed an anticipatory bail petition in the High Court in this case.
He has pleaded with the High Court in the petition that the police are searching for him and trying to arrest and harass him. He has stated that he has properties in and around Amaravathi and Vijayawada and that he has not fled anywhere. In the anticipatory bail petition filed in the High Court, Krishnam Raju said that he is ready to cooperate with the police investigation.
The High Court will hear the anticipatory bail petition of journalist Krishnam Raju on June 12. However, the police have already arrested journalist Krishnam Raju. On the other hand, the authorities have also formed special teams to trace Krishnam Raju.
Meanwhile, YSRCP chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy has strongly condemned these cases and the arrest of Kommineni. He alleged that these cases are being filed by forming factions because he is questioning the failures of the coalition government on behalf of the people. Jagan warned that after he returned to power, Chandrababu Naidu will have to take responsibility for every mistake he makes.