Several journalists’ associations and human rights organisations have condemned the attack and demanded swift justice
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – In a shocking incident, a journalist was critically injured after being brutally attacked by a group of assailants in Telangana’s Yellandu town in Bhadradri Kothagudem district on Saturday. The attackers were armed with sticks and beer bottles and assaulted the journalist ruthlessly.
The victim, Nitta Sudarshan, is a reporter for the local vernacular daily Aadab Hyderabad.
He was rushed to a private hospital in Khammam where his condition was described as critical, media reports reaching here said.
The attack occurred in an area where the victim was reportedly covering sensitive local issues. According to initial reports, a group of unidentified individuals confronted him, launching a violent assault without warning. Using sticks and beer bottles as weapons, the attackers severely injured him before fleeing the scene.
Eyewitnesses said local residents rushed to his aid after the attackers fled.
According to reports, the journalist had filed a complaint with the police stating that he received death threats from local rowdies and politicians. The attack is believed to be linked to his active campaigning for Congress candidate Theenmar Mallanna in the graduate MLC elections.
Telangana police have launched an investigation and are questioning witnesses to determine whether the assault was premeditated or a spontaneous act of violence.
Law enforcement authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the area in an attempt to identify the attackers. However, no arrests have been made so far.
This incident has sparked outrage among the journalist community and civil rights groups, raising concerns about the safety of journalists and press freedom in Telangana. The attack is being seen as yet another example of the increasing risks faced by journalists, particularly those covering politically sensitive or controversial topics.
Journalists in India, especially in regional areas, often face harassment, intimidation, and violence in their reporting. Media watchdogs have consistently highlighted the rising threats to press freedom in the country.
Several journalists’ associations and human rights organisations have condemned the attack and demanded swift justice. They are calling on the Telangana government to take immediate action to apprehend the culprits and ensure the safety of journalists in the region.
Prominent figures from the media have also taken to social media to express their solidarity with the victim and called for a more secure environment for the press to carry out its work without fear of violence or retribution.
