Tensions erupted in Hyderabad on Saturday, June 28, when a group of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) workers violently stormed the MAHAA TV office in Jubilee Hills. The workers were reportedly enraged over a news segment aired by the channel linking BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) to the Telangana phone tapping controversy. Shouting slogans and accusing the news outlet of spreading fake news, the mob forced their way into the building, where they allegedly assaulted an employee who tried to stop them. Vehicles parked outside the office were also damaged, and stones were thrown at the property, leading to visible destruction both inside and around the premises.
The news broadcast at the center of the controversy allegedly suggested that KTR had knowledge of or involvement in the politically sensitive phone tapping case, which has dominated headlines across Telangana. BRS leaders have categorically denied these allegations, dismissing them as a smear campaign. However, the channel’s coverage sparked strong reactions from BRS supporters. Saturday’s incident drew sharp criticism on social media, with debates around political intolerance, threats to press freedom, and the role of law enforcement in ensuring journalist safety.
Police were informed about the incident and arrived at the scene promptly, managing to control the situation before further escalation. An investigation has been launched, and authorities are examining CCTV footage to identify those responsible for the attack. As of now, no arrests have been reported. Meanwhile, journalists’ unions have condemned the act and demanded strict legal action, while opposition leaders like those from the BJP have accused the BRS of attempting to silence the media through intimidation. The incident has further intensified the ongoing political tensions in Telangana as the state prepares for key developments in the phone tapping probe.
