Hyderabad’s journalist Thulasi Chandu harassed for videos on communalism, environment

Hyderabad: Threats and trolls followed Thulasi Chandu, a city-based independent journalist, for her online video stories. The content on her YouTube channel dealt with issues pertaining to social discrimination, the environment and communalism. Her content attracted anti-social trolls who started harassing and threatening her.

Thulasi filed a complaint with the police about the harassment she is facing. In an emotional plea for help on social media, she reached out for support as she feared for her safety. The Telangana Working Journalists Federation (TWJF) condemned the inappropriate trolling and threats she has been facing. The federation stated that addressing public issues is the work of a journalist.

According to B Basavapunnaiah, the state general secretary of the federation, “Journalists play a crucial role in bringing public problems to the government’s attention. I suggest that those with objections file complaints with the Press Council instead of resorting to harassment or trolling. Society cannot tolerate individuals who take the law into their own hands and act unilaterally.”

Basavapunnaiah further added, “We call on public organisations and political parties to condemn the harassment faced by Thulsi Chandu. As an act of solidarity, I visited her family and assured her of support from all the working journalists in the state.”

Thulasi Chandu, who has worked in Telugu television and print media for 14 years, started an independent YouTube channel in 2020 to address the lack of critical voices in Telugu media. However, her videos drew the ire of Hindu right-wing trolls, who labelled her as ‘anti-Hindu’ and subjected her to intense hate, misogynistic and violent threats.

Thulasi said, “Despite filing a complaint with the cybercrime wing of the Hyderabad City Police in January 2022, no action has been taken against the perpetrators who have been harassing and threatening me. It’s disheartening to see the lack of response from the authorities. I recently shared my feelings of helplessness and impending dangers on Facebook, and I am grateful for the solidarity I have received from social media users and the society at large.”

Thulasi clarified that her criticism of communal politics, corruption, and administrative lapses is not an attack on Hinduism, as alleged by her abusers. “Even if I do regular content on the environment or civic issues, people start posting toxic comments and call anti-Hindu. It is disheartening to witness such misinterpretation and baseless accusations, as my intention is solely to shed light on important issues and foster a more detailed report.”

Thulasi’s ordeal is not an isolated incident, as other women journalists and activists have also been targeted by Hindu right-wing trolls.

Speaking about the ability to continue her work, Thulasi said, “The constant harassment and threats I have faced have affected my ability to continue my work as an independent journalist. It has created a sense of fear and insecurity. The emotional toll it takes is immense, and it affected my productivity and overall well-being.”

Thulasi Chandu further expressed that the constant harassment and threats have a significant impact on future generations, particularly aspiring women journalists. “It creates fear and inhibits their ability to ask questions or voice their opinions. It’s not just about me; I am speaking up for all journalists who face similar challenges. If these circumstances continue, it will discourage anyone from becoming an independent journalist. Thus, creating a more respectful and constructive online environment necessitates collective efforts from society as a whole.”

Padmaja Shaw, a retired journalism professor from Osmania University said, “In today’s world, it’s important for people to express their opinions and have the right to free speech. However, many people don’t have constructive discussions anymore and instead, judge others quickly. This happens to a journalist who has been doing important research-based stories for a long time. Instead of taking the time to watch her videos or check the facts, people make assumptions and attack her.”

Shaw expressed disappointment over the fact that people prefer to label and attack others online instead of having respectful conversations. She believes that this behaviour prevents accurate information from being shared. To improve the situation, we should separate personal attacks from valid criticisms and encourage respectful discussions based on facts.