IPI tells Andhra government to arrest television reporter's killers

The International Press Institute, a global network of editors, media executives and journalists, today called on the authorities in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh to immediately arrest and hold to account those responsible for the killing of Chennakeshavalu.

Andhra Pradesh Police on Monday has ordered an investigation into the death of a local reporter. Chennakeshavalu was allegedly stabbed to death by a police official and his brother. The TV reporter was stabbed to death with a screwdriver on August 8 after he reportedly exposed the corruption of a police constable in the state's Kurnool district.

The reporter of local television channel EV5 was called for a meeting by constable Venkatasubbaiah to discuss a report that Chennakeshavalu had aired about the constable’s alleged involvement in the illegal sale of tobacco products and gambling in the area. 

A probe into the reporter's murder was ordered by State police chief Gautam Sawang. 

 Venkatasubbaiah has been suspended. However, he and his brother are absconding. The police have registered a case of murder against the two.

“Authorities in Andhra Pradesh must immediately arrest those responsible for the murder of Chennakashavalu”, IPI Deputy Director Scott Griffen said. Chennakeshavalu is the second journalist killed in India so far this year, according to IPI’s Death Watch. On June 3, Sulabh Srivastava, a reporter for ABDP Ganga TV channel, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in the Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh. Initially, the police claimed that the journalist had died in a road accident, but later opened a murder investigation, which is still ongoing.