YSR report: Case against TV5 for inciting violence

The Andhra Pradesh police has filed a suo moto case against TV5 news channel for inciting violence in the state.

On Thursday, TV5 broadcast a report about a Russian website, The Exile, claiming the involvement of Reliance Industries chief Mukesh Ambani’s involvement in the death of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy who was killed in a chopper crash on September 2 last year in Andhra’s Nallamalai Hills.

The Russian site had claimed Reddy, fondly referred to as YSR by his supporters, was eliminated as he was obstructing RIL’s interests in gas from the KG basin.

Soon after the report, YSR fans went on rampage, destroying property belonging to the Reliance Group and called for a bandh on Friday.

RIL was quick to rebut the report and said it would sue the channel for the report. “We are shocked and outraged at the false, malicious, motivated and libelous news on TV5 Channel concerning the fatal mishap of Shri YS Rajasekhara Reddy's helicopter. We condemn, rebut and reject the allegation with the contempt it deserves," a statement from the company said.

RIL alleged it was the ‘dirty handiwork’ of its business rivals, which was hand-in-glove with the channel. “This is also evident from the well coordinated attacks on RIL's personnel and establishments in Andhra Pradesh within minutes of the telecast by TV5.”

RIL said it would file a criminal complaint against the channel and demanded the central and state government to order an investigation against the acts of violence against its properties.

“RIL is a law abiding corporate citizen. We mourned the untimely and tragic death of Shri YS Rajasekhara Reddy as much as anyone else.”