Telugu newspaper’s office vandalised

Andhra Jyoti managing director Vemuri Radha Krishna said they expected trouble after the publication of news item and had sought police protection. “The police were present outside the press building till 2 pm after which they left as nothing untoward happened. Half an hour later, about 20 people arrived in two vehicles and barged into the reception area. They smashed windowpanes and furniture and sprinkled petrol in the area and set it on fire. Two employees had a narrow escape as when they tried to put out the fire, the goons threw petrol on them too,” Krishna told The Indian Express. Security at other offices of the multi-edition newspaper was beefed up after the attack.

Fire brigade and police personnel said the front office and reception area were completely gutted. However, the editorial and other offices in the upper portions of the building were not affected.