Telangana Police apprehended two journalists from Telugu channel NTV for airing a defamatory piece involving a minister and a woman IAS officer. One reporter was caught trying to flee to Bangkok, while the other was nabbed after turning off his phone when summoned by the police. Police Commissioner C. V. Sajjanar emphasized the need for cooperation from the journalists in the investigation.
Sajjanar, leading the Special Investigation Team on the case, stressed the importance of the accused journalists cooperating with the police. He warned that regardless of their location, those involved would be arrested. The police summoned individuals for questioning, but the CEO of a TV channel failed to appear as requested by the authorities.
The Commissioner expressed bewilderment at reporters attempting to evade the investigation. One journalist, who had made travel arrangements to Bangkok, was apprehended, while another was arrested for disconnecting his phone upon receiving the summons. Sajjanar assured that the police were following legal procedures, with full disclosure of details expected soon.
While acknowledging the prevalence of criticism in public discourse, Sajjanar condemned the dissemination of false stories and personal attacks on a female officer. The SIT is handling two cases, including one in Narayanpet district involving the circulation of an “obscene and humiliating” image of the Chief Minister. Legal action is being taken against various media outlets for spreading fake news about the minister and the IAS officer.
