Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) expressed shock and outrage over the `motivated and libellous news ’ concerning the fatal helicopter mishap in which then Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy was killed on September 2, 2009.
“We condemn, rebut and reject the allegation with the contempt it deserves”, RIL said in a strongly-worded press release here on Friday, a day after mobs attacked dozens of Reliance outlets all over Andhra Pradesh.
Alleging that it was the handiwork of RIL’s business rivals in cahoots with TV5, the release said this was evident from the well-coordinated attacks on the company's personnel and establishments in Andhra Pradesh within minutes of the telecast.
“The channel has thrown all journalistic norms to the winds to malign the reputation of RIL, which has made significant investments in Andhra Pradesh to promote the development of the State and the nation”.
“RIL is a law-abiding corporate citizen. We mourned the untimely and tragic death of Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy as much as anyone else. However, we cannot and will not let this criminal attempt by TV5 to besmirch our reputation”.
Announcing its intent to file a criminal complaint against the channel, RIL demanded that the central and State Governments initiate an immediate investigation and bring the culprits to justice.
