“Violent Attack on Deccan Chronicle Office: A Blow to Democracy”

In a shocking incident, a group of goons affiliated with the ruling Telugu Desam (TD) party attacked the office of Deccan Chronicle in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on Wednesday afternoon. The attack was a stark reminder of the party’s promise to “restore law and order” in the state, which seems to be a distant reality.

The TD activists, accompanied by members of the Telugu Nadu Students Federation and the TD women’s wing, stormed the office premises, destroying the security post, ransacking furniture, and even setting the name board of the newspaper on fire. The attack was reportedly in response to a news report published by Deccan Chronicle, which stated that the alliance government was shifting its stance on the privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.

The group of around 30 activists, including women, broke down the main office gate and entered the premises, carrying a bottle of petrol. They burnt down the name board, which symbolized the pride of the Telugu people and the respected media presence of Deccan Chronicle across southern states. The arsonists attempted to enter the printing and editorial sections, but were thwarted by the staff.

When women journalists from Deccan Chronicle confronted the attackers, asking them to discuss their concerns instead of resorting to violence, the TD goons responded with abusive language and menacing gestures. One woman activist even asked another to vandalize the printing unit by throwing a flamed petrol bottle. The group’s actions were a clear disregard for Article 19 (a) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression.

The Deccan Chronicle staff, led by women journalists, formed a human chain and resisted the attack peacefully. They explained to the attackers that a brutal way to suppress the fourth estate was not the solution and that they should instead provide a rejoinder to the news report. However, the TD goons turned more aggressive and abusive, pushing and touching the women journalists inappropriately.

The attackers began pelting stones at the main building, where the printing equipment was located, with the intention of destroying the machines. However, the staff managed to halt them, and the goons fled the scene when police arrived.

The incident was widely condemned on social media, with political leaders, citizens, and fellow journalists expressing outrage at the attack. The attack on Deccan Chronicle’s office is a blow to democracy and a reminder of the importance of upholding the principles of freedom of speech and expression.

Key Points:

• The TD goons attacked the Deccan Chronicle office in Visakhapatnam, destroying property and equipment.
• The attack was in response to a news report on the privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
• The group was led by women activists, who used abusive language and menacing gestures.
• The Deccan Chronicle staff resisted the attack peacefully, forming a human chain and explaining the importance of freedom of speech and expression.
• The incident was widely condemned on social media, with many calling it a blow to democracy.

Why is this important?

• The attack highlights the importance of upholding democratic values and the freedom of speech and expression.
• It shows how political parties can use violence to suppress dissenting voices.
• It emphasizes the need for a strong and independent media to hold those in power accountable.

Historical Context:

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has been in power in Andhra Pradesh since 2014, and has been known for its authoritarian tendencies. The party has been accused of suppressing dissenting voices and using violence to silence critics. This attack on the Deccan Chronicle office is just the latest example of the party’s disregard for democratic values and the freedom of speech and expression.

In the past, the TDP has been involved in several incidents of violence and intimidation against journalists and critics. In 2017, the party’s youth wing was accused of attacking a journalist who was investigating corruption allegations against the party. In 2018, a journalist was beaten up by TDP activists for reporting on the party’s alleged involvement in a land scam.

The attack on the Deccan Chronicle office is also significant because it comes at a time when the party is facing criticism for its handling of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant privatisation issue. The plant is a major employer in the region and its privatisation has been met with widespread opposition. The Deccan Chronicle’s report on the issue was seen as a threat to the party’s plans, and the attack was likely an attempt to silence the newspaper and intimidate its staff.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• A group of TDP activists attacked the Deccan Chronicle office in Visakhapatnam, destroying property and equipment.
• The attack was in response to a news report on the privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
• The group was led by women activists, who used abusive language and menacing gestures.
• The Deccan Chronicle staff resisted the attack peacefully, forming a human chain and explaining the importance of freedom of speech and expression.
• The incident was widely condemned on social media, with many calling it a blow to democracy.
• The attack highlights the importance of upholding democratic values and the freedom of speech and expression.
• It shows how political parties can use violence to suppress dissenting voices.
• It emphasizes the need for a strong and independent media to hold those in power accountable.