ANDHRA PRADESH: Jagan Media Row: FIR Filed Against Sakshi Network
Police in Ponnur, Guntur district, have launched an investigation into Jagan Media after a temple board member accused the outlet of spreading damaging falsehoods.
Circle Inspector L. Veeranayak confirmed the case registration stems from a formal complaint detailing broadcast and print reports that wrongly implicated the complainant in a distant theft probe.
This development highlights growing frictions between local figures and aligned media channels.
Complaint Details Unfold
Eluri Chennaiyya, a trustee with the Lingeswara Swamy Temple in Ponnur, lodged the grievance, claiming Jagan Media outlets falsely named him as a suspect in a jewelry heist at Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Giddalur, Prakasam district.
He further alleged reports invented details of Ongole police raiding his home and seizing silver and cash, none of which occurred.
Chennaiyya described the coverage as a calculated smear, extending barbs at Ponnur MLA Dhulipalla Narendra Kumar to erode public trust.
The trustee pointed to social media amplification, where anonymous users shared the stories widely, intensifying the harm. He urged swift action to curb such unchecked narratives.
Targets Named in FIR
Authorities booked Jagan Media’s management alongside representatives Talari Surendranath and Y. Ashokvarthan, plus unidentified social media posters.
Veeranayak noted the probe will examine publication ethics and potential motives behind the alleged fabrication.
Early inquiries suggest the reports aired without verification, breaching journalistic standards.
This case echoes broader debates on media accountability in Andhra Pradesh, where political affiliations often color coverage.
Broader Implications for Trust
Chennaiyya’s move underscores vulnerabilities for public servants and community leaders when unverified claims gain traction.
Legal experts anticipate the investigation could set precedents on defamation thresholds in regional reporting.
As the inquiry progresses, calls grow for balanced storytelling to preserve credibility.
Alleged violations:
- Falsely linking the complainant to the Giddalur theft.
- Fabricated raid and seizure claims.
- Attacks on MLA’s reputation.