Mahaa News Office Attacked in Hyderabad: BRS Supporters Accused of Violent Assault

In a shocking incident highlighting growing political tensions, the Mahaa News office in Hyderabad came under attack on Saturday by a mob reportedly consisting of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) supporters and followers of party leader K.T. Rama Rao (KTR). The brazen daytime assault has sparked outrage across media circles, political parties, and civil society, raising serious questions about press freedom and democratic values in Telangana.

Brandishing rods, knives, and stones, the attackers stormed into the news organization’s premises, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as vehicles parked outside were vandalized, office property was shattered, and the newsroom was thrown into complete disarray. Several journalists and staff members sustained injuries while attempting to protect the premises and were promptly taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Although a full damage report is yet to be completed, early photos and eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of significant physical and emotional damage.

Mahaa News, recognized for its fearless reporting and critical coverage of political affairs in Telangana, condemned the attack in strong terms. In a statement issued shortly after the violence, a senior editor described the incident as “an attack on the very pillars of democracy.”

“This wasn’t merely an assault on our organization,” the editor stated. “It was an attack on freedom of expression, on the right to question those in power, and on the spirit of speaking truth without fear. We refuse to be silenced through intimidation or violence.”

Political leaders swiftly reacted to the news. Several Congress ministers and Telangana’s Deputy Chief Minister visited Mahaa News to show solidarity, condemning the violence as a blatant attempt to stifle independent journalism. “This kind of mob aggression is not just anti-democratic—it’s outright criminal,” one minister declared. “Those responsible must be brought to justice swiftly.”

Journalist associations, civil rights groups, and political figures from diverse parties joined in condemning the incident. The Press Club of Hyderabad issued a stern statement demanding the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and cautioned that attacks like these could set a dangerous precedent for suppressing the media nationwide.

By Saturday evening, neither the BRS leadership nor K.T. Rama Rao had made any public statement regarding the attack, drawing criticism from journalists and political commentators. Many argue that this silence only heightens tensions and undermines public trust in democratic institutions.

Legal experts have labeled the incident a grave criminal act, emphasizing that such violence violates multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code. “This is not only a law-and-order concern—it strikes at the heart of constitutional freedoms,” said a senior lawyer. “Press freedom is a fundamental right, and any assault on it demands immediate and decisive action.”

Telangana Police have launched an investigation and have increased security around media offices throughout Hyderabad to prevent any further unrest. Authorities have promised to identify and prosecute all those involved.

The assault on Mahaa News adds to a worrying pattern of intimidation and violence against journalists in India. Amid deepening political polarization and shrinking space for dissent, this episode serves as a stark reminder of the growing threats faced by those who challenge power. Many believe that safeguarding press freedom has become more crucial than ever.

Reference : https://www.oneindia.com/hyderabad/mahaa-news-office-attacked-in-hyderabad-brs-supporters-allegedly-behind-violent-rampage-7785797.html