(Our Special Correspondent)
Hyderabad: The escalating attacks on women journalists in Telangana have prompted an urgent appeal to the state government, led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
A group of 57 women journalists have collectively voiced their deep concerns and called for immediate punitive action against the perpetrators of these assaults. Their plea reflects a growing alarm over the increasingly hostile environment in which women journalists are forced to work, raising the question: “Will there be any women journalists left in Telangana in the next decade?” they wondered.
The source of this anxiety lies in the rising mob attacks that women journalists endure, both online and offline. Trolls and self-proclaimed supporters of various political parties have increasingly targeted women journalists who cover political news, subjecting them to harassment in both virtual and physical spaces.
A recent incident involving journalists Akula Sarita and M. Vijaya Reddy starkly illustrates this disturbing trend. While reporting on a loan waiver in Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s hometown, Kondareddypally village, the two journalists were surrounded by local Congress party supporters. The mob snatched their cameras and mobile phones, hurled them to the ground, and terrorized the women. Fearing for their safety, they sought police protection to return to Hyderabad. A case has been filed at the Veldanda Police Station, but the trauma of the incident lingers.
Following this attack, Sarita and Vijaya Reddy were subjected to further harassment online, with Congress-affiliated netizens accusing them of working for media organizations linked to the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party. This baseless accusation is not only morally reprehensible but also a blatant violation of the law. Criticism of media bias is one thing, but resorting to violence and intimidation is entirely inhumane. The rise of troll armies and sycophants tied to various political parties has only exacerbated these attacks, exposing the extreme vulnerability of women journalists, particularly in the digital sphere.
Journalism is inherently a profession of questioning, often causing discomfort to those in power. A news analysis or a public opinion piece is bound to offend one political party or another. However, the appropriate response to such questions is either to correct inaccuracies with facts or to issue an informed statement, not to attack the journalists bringing these issues to light.
The experiences of other women journalists further underscore the pervasive nature of this harassment. For instance, journalist Hema, who regularly posts news updates and political developments on social media, has faced severe trolling from pro-BRS accounts, despite merely sharing updates without any personal commentary. Similarly, journalist Naveena, who covers the Secretariat, Assembly, and political news, has been viciously trolled by both pro-Congress and pro-BRS social media accounts, depending on the political climate. Independent journalist Thulasi Chandu, known for her analysis of regional developments, has also been targeted by troll gangs from major political parties, including BJP, BRS, TDP, YSRCP, and Congress. Despite her efforts to bring these issues to the attention of political leaders, the harassment persists, with troll armies attacking her across multiple platforms and creating dangerous videos that incite further abuse.
The plight of senior journalist C. Vanaja, a recipient of prestigious awards like the Ramnath Goenka Award, is another troubling example. Despite her deep political analysis and extensive experience, she has become a significant victim of online harassment. The abuse goes beyond mere comments under her videos; numerous YouTube channels have been created solely to target and insult her. Should a journalist be forced to silence themselves simply because they are being harassed?
The problem is not limited to online abuse. In some cases, the very police who are supposed to protect journalists have contributed to their harassment. Journalist Radhika’s experience exemplifies this troubling trend. While covering the ANMs’ agitation near Pragati Bhavan, Radhika was physically assaulted by ACP Venkateswarlu, who attempted to stop her from live-reporting on the police lathi-charge against the protesters. Despite filing a case, no action has been taken, leaving Radhika and other journalists vulnerable to further harassment.
The situation is equally dire for journalist Prema, who faced severe harassment from political trolls for conducting interviews with certain leaders during elections. Despite her decades of experience, she continues to be targeted, raising concerns about the safety and future of women in journalism. The harassment of journalist Revathi by the police and the humiliating treatment faced by journalist Tejaswini, who was five months pregnant, during the Ellamma Bonalu festival in Balkampet further highlight the hostile environment in which women journalists operate.
These cases represent only a fraction of the struggles faced by women journalists in Telangana. The combination of online trolls and offline attacks has created a significant barrier for women in media, raising concerns about the future of women in journalism. If left unchecked, these incidents could soon escalate into even more serious physical attacks.
In response, the women journalists have issued a set of demands to the government. First, they call for the creation of a rapid-response system to address the issues faced by women journalists. Second, they urge the government to hold political parties accountable for the harassment originating from fake accounts managed by their supporters. The police must issue clear warnings to all political parties to this effect.
This collective appeal is not just a cry for help, but a call to action. The government must take immediate steps to protect women journalists and ensure that they can continue to work without fear of harassment or violence. If these issues are not addressed promptly, the future of women in journalism in Telangana remains uncertain, and the very fabric of a free and independent press is at risk.
