BRS workers vandalise news channel office over news report about KTR, five detained

Tensions flared in Jubilee Hills on Saturday after a group of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) workers barged into the Mahaa TV office and vandalised property, allegedly angered by a news report concerning party leader K.T. Rama Rao and a film actress.

West Zone police said five individuals have been taken into custody. “They resorted to damaging property over some news about KTR,” an officer from Banjara Hills police said. The security officer of the channel, Subramanyam, is the complainant in the case.

According to police, the mob raised slogans, pelted stones, and damaged vehicles parked outside the building. One employee was allegedly assaulted when he attempted to stop them.

The report that sparked the outrage reportedly made references to K.T. Rama Rao in connection with an actress and also in the phone tapping case that has embroiled several former intelligence and senior police officers from the previous BRS government.

Meanwhile, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka condemned the attack in strong terms, calling it ‘inhumane and extremely unfortunate’. He said the government would not remain a passive spectator and promised strict action against all those involved.

“In a democracy, the media should be free to report and engage in discussion. If someone finds the content objectionable, there are legal and democratic means to respond. Peaceful protest and formal complaints are the proper channels,” the deputy CM said in an X post. The police investigation is ongoing.