Unknown attackers violently broke into and damaged the Maha News office in Hyderabad on Saturday. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers were supporters of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and followers of its leader K.T. Rama Rao. The attackers were armed with sticks, knives, and stones, and broke into the office and caused heavy damage, as per media reports.
During the attack, the attackers smashed vehicles parked outside the office and also damaged furniture, computers, and other equipment inside. There was chaos in the newsroom. Several staffers were injured and admitted to hospitals for treatment. Though the damage is being fully assessed, initial reports suggest that the attack has taken a serious toll on the infrastructure and the psyche of the staff.
Maha News, known for its critical reporting of political events in Telangana, has strongly criticised the attack. A senior editor called it an attack on press freedom and democratic values and said, “We will not be cowed down by threats.”
Congress party leaders visited the Maha News office and called the attack an attempt to suppress independent media. They demanded the immediate arrest of the attackers.
Various media organisations, civil society groups, and political parties have condemned the attack. The Hyderabad Press Club appealed to the police to immediately arrest the culprits. So far, the BRS and K.T. Rama Rao have not made any official comment on it. The Telangana police have begun investigating the case and deployed additional security at other media offices in the city. The attack has raised serious concerns about the safety of journalists in India and has further increased the importance of protecting press freedom.
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