ANDHRAPRADESH: Journalist Arrested for Derogatory Amaravati Remarks
On June 11, 2025, Andhra Pradesh police apprehended journalist V.V.R. Krishnam Raju near Thagarapuvalasa, Visakhapatnam, following his controversial remarks on a television program. The comments, which labeled Amaravati as a “capital of prostitutes,” sparked widespread protests and legal action. This report examines the incident, arrest, and ongoing investigation.
Arrest Following Evasion
Krishnam Raju, evading authorities since June 7, was detained while attempting to flee to a new hideout. He had been staying at a friend’s residence in Vizianagaram before his arrest on Wednesday evening.
After a preliminary inquiry, police transported him to Guntur for further investigation. He is scheduled to appear in court on June 12, 2025.
Controversial Remarks on Air
During a June 6 broadcast on Sakshi TV’s KSR Live Show, Krishnam Raju made derogatory statements about Amaravati’s women, prompting outrage across the state. The remarks were deemed an affront to the dignity of the region’s residents.
A case was filed at Thullur police station based on a complaint by Kambhampati Sirisha, a Dalit leader from Amaravati IKASA, naming Krishnam Raju as the primary accused (A1).
Co-Accused and Public Backlash
Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, a Sakshi TV journalist and the show’s host, was arrested earlier as the second accused (A2) in the case. Women’s organizations and farmers staged protests across Andhra Pradesh, condemning the remarks as an insult to Amaravati’s community.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) took suo motu cognizance, urging legal action against Krishnam Raju for his inflammatory statements.
Failed Attempts at Evasion
Anticipating arrest, Krishnam Raju vacated his Vijayawada residence in Ayodhyanagar and sought anticipatory bail from the High Court while in hiding. Police tracked his movements, detaining him along with a friend and a relative who were with him in the vehicle.
The group was brought to Nallapadu police station at 12:10 a.m. for questioning, with further inquiries ongoing to ascertain their roles.
Lack of Remorse and Justification
Krishnam Raju has expressed no remorse, instead releasing a video from hiding to justify his remarks, citing unspecified evidence. This response further inflamed public sentiment, particularly among Amaravati’s women, who felt targeted by his statements.
The absence of an apology has intensified calls for accountability, with protesters decrying the deliberate insult to the region’s dignity.
Allegations of Premeditated Intent
Police investigations suggest Krishnam Raju’s comments were not spontaneous but part of a calculated effort to incite unrest and destabilize the administration. Authorities suspect his selection as a guest on the KSR Live Show was orchestrated with malicious intent.
Further questioning will focus on the alleged conspiracy, including the role of Sakshi TV’s management in facilitating the controversial discussion.
Legal and Social Implications
The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting issues of media responsibility and gender-sensitive discourse. The arrests of Krishnam Raju and Kommineni Srinivasa Rao underscore the state’s commitment to addressing defamatory rhetoric.
As the investigation progresses, the court proceedings will likely influence public discourse on journalistic ethics and regional sensitivities in Andhra Pradesh.