CCTV Footage Of Journalist's Kidnap-Like Arrest Causes Uproar In Telangana

After the CCTV footage of a journalist being arrested in Hyderabad went viral, journalist unions & opposition parties alleged that personnel in civil dress had ill-treated & forcibly taken him away. The journalist in the viral video was identified as Raghu Ramakrishna. Superintendent of Police for Suryapet district R Bhaskaran said that Raghu was arrested in a case lodged at Mattampally police station a week ago. In the short footage shared by Telangana MLA Danasari Anasuya on her official social media handle, the journalist can be seen buying groceries from a cart on the roadside. Suddenly, two men in civilian clothes, appear from nowhere and stand behind him for a few seconds before grabbing him and forcing him into what looks like a private white car parked right behind. When asked about personnel in civil dress ill-treating and forcing journalist Raghu, the SP said necessary action would be initiated in this matter. The viral video led to strong reactions and outrage from local residents. "Is it kidnap or arrest? This is how Telangana government treats journalists if you raise voice against them," Anasuya tweeted on June 8 along with the CCTV footage.