Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) B. Shivadhar Reddy on Wednesday issued a stern warning to social media platforms and individuals against indulging in character assassination, stating that the police would take strict action against the misuse of digital platforms.
Expressing concern over the growing trend of character assassination on social media, the DGP said spreading false news about individuals and their family members, making baseless allegations, circulating fake content, and intruding into personal lives would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
He clarified that the police have no objection to constructive criticism or opinions expressed within the framework of the law. However, he warned that crossing legal boundaries and using social media to spread falsehoods would invite stringent legal action.
Recalling the guidelines he issued soon after assuming office as DGP on October 1 last year, Reddy said he had clearly warned that strict action would be taken against those who misuse social media platforms in violation of the law.
Reiterating the police department’s stand, the DGP said legal action would be initiated against anyone found indulging in character assassination, damaging the reputation of others, or committing such acts under the guise of social media expression.
The DGP’s warning comes amid an ongoing police investigation against certain television channels and social media platforms for allegedly telecasting and circulating defamatory content involving a state minister and a woman IAS officer.
On Wednesday, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case arrested two journalists associated with Telugu news channel NTV. The case has been registered against NTV, T News, several other television channels, along with multiple YouTube channels and social media handles.
The complaint was filed by Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan on behalf of the Telangana IAS Officers’ Association. Ranjan, who is also the Secretary of the Association, stated that NTV had aired and published a news item on January 8 concerning a woman IAS officer that was “completely false, fabricated and baseless.”
According to the complaint, unverified and unsubstantiated allegations were made against the serving officer, insinuating an alleged personal relationship with a political executive and attempting to link her official postings to these claims.
Meanwhile, the eight-member SIT is also investigating a separate case related to the circulation of an “obscene and humiliating” image of the Chief Minister in a WhatsApp group.
