In a big breakthrough that has touched hearts across Andhra Pradesh, veteran journalist and ex-AP Press Academy Chairman Kommneni Srinivasa Rao was taken into custody by the state police for allegedly passing derogatory and objectionable comments against women of the Amaravati region.
The scandal broke out after a TV debate broadcast on Sakshi TV, during which Kommneni, along with another journalist Krishnam Raju, uttered extremely objectionable words—referring to Amaravati as the “capital of prostitution.” The comments created a storm of displeasure throughout the state, with citizens, politicians, and women’s organizations calling for tough action.
Top leaders of the new Andhra Pradesh government, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and Nara Lokesh, also personally condemned the remarks as highly insulting to Amaravati women and against the dignity of the state.
In response to a chain of public grievances, a complaint was officially lodged at the Thullur Police Station. Krishnam Raju has been accused as Accused No. 1 (A1), Kommneni Srinivasa Rao as A2, and the management of Sakshi TV as A3, as per the FIR. Kommneni has been arrested from Hyderabad based on the probe and is being brought to Vijayawada to face further legal action.
He has been detained under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including serious provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Authorities asserted that the arrest was made in coordination with Hyderabad police and as per all legal procedures.
Sources suggest that Krishnam Raju, the primary accused in the case, could also be arrested soon as the investigation progresses.
This isn’t the first time Kommneni has found himself at the center of controversy. He has previously drawn criticism for making harsh comments against the judiciary and is often accused of using his platform to promote political narratives in favor of YSR Congress Party leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, targeting constitutional institutions under the guise of journalism.