Fire in Furniture Godown Next to Sakshi Office Sparks Blame Game
A fire that gutted a furniture godown located a floor below the Sakshi television channel’s office in NR Pet, Eluru on Tuesday, 10 June, has sparked a blame game between the ruling TDP and the opposition YSRCP in Andhra Pradesh. The mysterious fire has sparked suspicion that it could be linked to the ongoing protests against Sakshi, a channel known for its critical reporting on the TDP government.
The fire broke out at around 2:30 am on Tuesday, engulfing the furniture godown and causing significant damage to the property. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but the timing of the blaze has raised eyebrows. The opposition YSRCP has already started pointing fingers at the TDP, suggesting that the fire was a deliberate attempt to target Sakshi.
“This is a clear-cut case of political vendetta,” said YSRCP MLA, Gajjela Seshachalam. “The TDP is trying to silence Sakshi by targeting its office. We demand a thorough investigation into the matter and those responsible for the fire be brought to book.”
The TDP, on the other hand, has denied any involvement in the fire and has instead accused the YSRCP of trying to create a communal divide in the state.
“This is a desperate attempt by the YSRCP to divert attention from their own failures,” said TDP spokesperson, Vara Prasad. “We condemn the fire and demand that the police investigate the matter impartially. We are confident that the truth will come out and the YSRCP will be exposed for their sinister motives.”
The fire has left many in the area shaken, and the Sakshi office has been shut down until further notice. The channel’s staff and management have also condemned the incident, calling it a “cowardly act” that aimed to silence the channel.
“This is not just an attack on Sakshi, but an attack on the freedom of the press,” said Sakshi Editor-in-Chief, Parakala Prabhakar. “We will not be intimidated by such acts and will continue to report the truth, no matter the cost.”
The police have launched an investigation into the matter, but so far, no one has been arrested or charged in connection with the fire. The local residents have also been asked to provide any information they may have about the incident.
The blame game between the TDP and YSRCP has once again highlighted the deepening political divide in Andhra Pradesh. The state has been plagued by political tensions and violence in recent years, and the fire incident has added to the already strained atmosphere.
As the investigation into the fire continues, one thing is clear: the people of Andhra Pradesh are watching closely, and they will not tolerate any attempts to silence the press or intimidate those who dare to speak truth to power.
