Jagruthi activists vandalised the office of Q News, owned by former Congress leader and MLC Chintapandu Naveen (Teenmar Mallanna) in Hyderabad, on Sunday during a protest against a Congress leader's controversial comment on BRS MLC Kavitha. Jagruthi is cultural outfit associated with K Kavitha.
Videos of the violent protest have surfaced online showing the damaged furniture and shattered glass on the floor. In one video, a security officer can be seen firing in the air to disperse the agitating protesters.
According to reports, multiple rounds of gunfire have injured several people. One of the visuals from the incident shows blood spots all over the floor. The injured were rushed to the hospital for treatment. So far, there have been no reports of casualties yet.
The attack left the Q News staff in a state of fear. Following the incident, the former Congress leader filed a police complaint against the protesters. The police have launched an investigation into the matter. Journalist associations and public organisations have vocally condemned the attack, calling for measures to safeguard media entities. Mallanna expressed his outrage over the incident, stating that attacks on media organisations undermine peace and security within the state. He denounced the actions of the Jagruthi activists, insisting that such behaviour is unacceptable.
The demonstrations were sparked by remarks from Mallanna, which were considered highly offensive. During a recent speech, Mallanna had challenged MLC Kavitha using inflammatory language.
He had questioned, "Is there a pact over a plate? Is there a pact over a bed? What do you have to do with the benefits meant for Backward Classes? Are you even a Backward Class yourself?,"
The reference to intimacy provoked intense anger among Kavitha's followers, resulting in Sunday's violent confrontation at Mallanna's office.
