Harassment – Journalists

A local journalist in Narayankhed (TS) has alleged that his house was demolished by the TRS government in Telangana after he reported violation of social distancing norms during birthday celebration of a party MLA. Narayankhed civic body on Wednesday demolished house of local TV journalist Parmesh.

Speaking to India Today, Parmesh claimed that his house was demolished after he ran a story on local ruling party legislator M Bhupal Reddy having a big birthday celebration during the lockdown on April 7. He said that he wasn’t even notified by the authorities of building violations. The party, however, said the house was demolished as it violated building norms.

On April 7, MLA Bhopal Reddy cut a 60-kg cake and celebrated his birthday in a private hall in violation of lockdown norms. Over 500 people reportedly took part in the birthday celebrations.  A PIL has been also filed in Hyderabad High Court and a two-bench judge comprising Chief Justice Raghavendra Singh Chauhan and Justice Vijaysen Reddy has sought response from the lawmaker over the issue of lockdown violation by the MLA.