Journalists Attacked in Andhra Pradesh's Pulivendula Amid Civic Poll Violence

India Today Crew Attacked in Pulivendula During Andhra Pradesh Local Body PollsA crew from India Today, including reporter Abdul Basheer and video journalist Vijay, was assaulted by an aggressive mob in Pulivendula while covering the Andhra Pradesh local body by-elections. The incident occurred near the Gandhi statue, Pulivendula police station, and a government school in Havilipuram. According to accounts from the ground, a mob of 50 to 80 people surrounded the crew, assaulted the video journalist, smashed the camera LCD, and stole the memory card and battery to wipe out recorded evidence. The crew had earlier filmed incidents of stone pelting and alleged poll rigging across contested wards in the constituency. The mob also attempted to snatch microphones and mobile phones before the journalists managed to flee to safety. Following the assault, the journalists approached the Superintendent of Police, who assured strict action. A formal complaint was subsequently lodged at the Pulivendula police station, leading to the registration of a First Information Report.