Andhra Pradesh police on Friday booked a case against a Telugu television channel for airing a "baseless and malicious" report about the alleged conspiracy behind the death of chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash last year.
Police booked a case against TV 5, which
aired the story based on a report on a Russian website. Cases under sections 153/3A (provocation with intent to cause riot) and 502 A (sale of printed or engraved substance containing defamatory matter) were registered at Jubilee Hills police station here.
Director General of Police RR Girish Kumar told reporters that notices would also be issued to other TV channels which aired the story after TV 5 began telecasting it on Thursday night.
The report led to a series of attacks on Reliance shops throughout the state, since it had alleged a role by the firm in the helicopter crash that killed YSR.
The police chief warned that stern action would be taken against those indulging in violence. Prohibitory orders under section 144 have been imposed in the state in view of the shutdown called by loyalists of the late chief minister in some districts.
Kumar said the investigations into the September 2 helicopter crash were continuing and appealed to people not to believe the rumours.
Chief Minister K Rosaiah on Friday held a meeting with Home Minister P Sabita Indra Reddy, Kumar and other senior officials to review the law and order situation in the wake of a series of attacks on Reliance properties in the state since Thursday night.
YSR's son and Kadapa MP YS Jaganmohan Reddy appealed to people not to resort to violence. He said in a statement that he would urge the central government to investigate the conspiracy angle.