Hyderabad SIT Makes Arrests in High-Profile Defamation Investigation
A Special Investigation Team in Hyderabad has taken two journalists into custody. The SIT arrested these media professionals from a Telugu news channel. This action connects directly to a case involving objectionable content against an All India Service officer.
Two Separate Cases Under Active Probe
The Special Investigation Team currently examines two distinct matters. First, Hyderabad Central Crime Station officers registered a case on January 10. This followed a formal complaint from IAS officer Jayesh Ranjan. The complaint addressed broadcasting and circulation of objectionable material targeting a woman bureaucrat.
Second, Maddur police in Narayanpet district filed another case. This involved an individual posting inappropriate content on social media. The posts targeted Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy specifically.
Arrest Details and Police Action
SIT officers apprehended Donthu Ramesh on Tuesday night. Ramesh serves as the in-put editor for NTV news channel. Police intercepted him at RGI Airport while he prepared to board a Bangkok flight for vacation.
Authorities also picked up his colleague Sudheer from his Hyderabad residence. Both journalists now face questioning regarding the CCS case.
Police Commissioner Addresses Media
Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar spoke to reporters at Exhibition Grounds in Nampally. He confirmed taking reporters into custody for questioning. The case relates to causing insult and humiliation to a woman IAS officer.
"Criticism should remain constructive, not demeaning," Sajjanar emphasized. "Spreading false information without basis and resorting to character assassination, especially concerning a woman officer, is absolutely wrong." He promised the investigation would reach a logical conclusion.
Night Raids and Journalist Responses
Responding to questions about nighttime house raids, Sajjanar provided clarification. Police visited homes of NTV journalists including Devi and CEO Rajasekhar. This occurred because the journalists failed to appear when requested and switched off their mobile phones.
"Those who are wanted should present themselves before police," Sajjanar stated firmly. "Otherwise we will locate them and produce them before the court."
Journalist Devi released a video statement explaining her situation. Police recorded her statement at the office initially. Officers later visited her home at night asking for additional questioning.
Legal Challenges and Medical Procedures
Donthu Ramesh spoke briefly to media personnel following his arrest. He declared the arrest illegal and vowed to fight the matter legally in court. His colleague Sudheer maintained their innocence, stating police booked a case despite their lack of responsibility.
Police transported both journalists to Koti Government Hospital for medical examination overnight. Authorities will likely present them before a magistrate for further legal proceedings.
The Special Investigation Team continues its probe into both cases. The arrests highlight increasing scrutiny of media content targeting public officials in Telangana.
