In a dramatic turn of events, the Tirupati Second Additional Junior Civil Judge and First Class Magistrate delivered a shocking verdict on Wednesday night, rejecting the remand application for Sakshi photographer Mohan Krishna and YSRCP leader Kotipai, who were arrested under dubious circumstances. The court’s decision has raised eyebrows and drawn attention to alleged political motivations behind their arrest.
The controversy began on December 4, when empty liquor bottles were discovered in Tirumala. YSRCP leader Alapaka Koti took photographs of the bottles and shared them on social media, while Mohan Krishna, the Sakshi photographer, was informed about the incident. This information was also conveyed to other media personnel, including Tirumala photographer Giri and a Sakshi TV cameraman, who captured the photos and videos that subsequently circulated across newspapers and news channels.
However, on the same day, an FIR was registered in Tirumala town under the name of unidentified individuals. The situation escalated on December 5, when police intervened to disrupt a protest led by YSRCP’s Tirupati constituency coordinator Bhuman Abhinay Reddy, against Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s alleged betrayal related to the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme. During this event, Mohan Krishna was reportedly mistreated by the police, who detained him at the station.
Journalist associations have condemned the police’s actions, asserting that they had been assured no case would be filed. Nonetheless, under pressure from TTD and TDP leaders, police proceeded to file cases against both Mohan Krishna and Koti regarding the liquor bottle incident, appearing to target the journalist specifically. The situation deteriorated further on Tuesday when Tirumala town police raided Mohan Krishna’s home, causing panic among his family members.
With threats looming, Mohan Krishna, accompanied by lawyer Chandrashekar Reddy, surrendered to the Alipiri police station on Wednesday morning. However, by evening, police had manipulated the situation by adding Section 152 to the FIR to ensure that bail would not be granted, fabricating a narrative that involved both the Sakshi photographer and Koti being apprehended near Devalok.
When presented in court, lawyer Chandrashekar Reddy argued passionately on behalf of the victims, leading the Second Additional Junior Civil Judge to dismiss the remand request. This unexpected ruling has left TDP leaders and TTD management in shock, prompting questions about the legitimacy of the charges and the role of political influence in their arrests.
The unfolding situation highlights the ongoing tensions between political factions in the region and raises concerns over the safety and rights of journalists, who are often caught in the crossfire of political disputes. As the legal battle continues, many are watching closely to see how this case will impact the relationship between the media and political entities in Andhra Pradesh.
