A court in Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, granted bail to YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) General Secretary (Media) Pudi Srihari, who was arrested for an alleged derogatory social media post against Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Srihari, a senior journalist for over 25 years, denied creating, posting, or forwarding the content, emphasizing his adherence to the law.
Srihari refuted claims of past legal issues, accusing certain media outlets of tarnishing his image. He assured cooperation with the ongoing investigation, stressing his commitment to journalistic ethics and legal compliance even in his political role within the YSRCP.
YSRCP General Secretary (Legal) Ponnavolu Sudhakar Reddy criticized the police for the alleged improper detention of Srihari, asserting the party’s legal backing in securing his bail. Reddy cautioned against exceeding legal boundaries and condemned the misuse of legal provisions in social media-related cases.
MLC K.R.J. Bharat condemned Srihari’s arrest as unnecessary and harassing, expressing confidence in the legal process. He affirmed the resilience of YSRCP leaders and members in the face of such actions, highlighting their unwavering stance.
Srihari, a former Chief Public Relations Officer under Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s administration, was arrested at his Vijayawada residence and later transferred to Kuppam. Authorities reportedly confiscated his mobile phone and laptop, following a case filed in Chittoor for sharing a cartoon depicting Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu holding a knife.
