A local Andhra journalist was attacked and murdered in Tuni, East Godavari on Monday, an incident that has shocked the state and raised concerns over the safety of reporters.
K Sathyanarayana, 45, was a reporter with the Telugu newspaper Andhrajyothi. According to police, two assailants carried out the attack near his residence in S Annavaram village in Tuni mandal. Sathyanarayana is said to have been returning home from work at the time.
A case of murder has been registered by police based on a complaint by Sathyanarayana’s brother.
Speaking to TNM, East Godavari SP Adnan Nayeem Asmi said, "The incident occurred around 7 pm on Monday. Two assailants are believed to have come on a bike, attacked him with a heavy weapon and fled the scene."
Based on the crime scene and the injury, investigating officers suspect that heavyweight iron rods may have been used in the attack.
He further added, "The investigation is ongoing, based on statements of family members. Apart from that, we are also looking at it from other angles."
According to reports, the journalist’s family alleges that this was a revenge killing. Sources also told TNM that the murder may have been the result of a personal rivalry that escalated.
However, district police officials told TNM that they are also looking into a past complaint filed by deceased journalist, as he had earlier claimed there was a threat to his life.
Meanwhile, Guatam Sawang, DGP Andhra Pradesh, condemned the murder and asked the district SP to speed up the investigation.