Telangana Rights Commission Directs Police Chief to Investigate MLA's Alleged Hate Speech
The Telangana Human Rights Commission (THRC) has taken a significant step in addressing a serious complaint concerning alleged hate speech by a political representative. The commission has formally requested the Director General of Police (DGP) to submit a detailed investigative report by February 20, 2026. This directive follows a formal petition that accuses a legislator of making provocative and religiously charged remarks against a senior police officer.
Complaint Filed by Minority Education Society Leader
The complaint was officially lodged by Mohammed Faheemuddin Qureshi, who serves as the vice-chairman and president of the Telangana Minorities Residential Educational Institutions Society (TMREIS). Qureshi, accompanied by a delegation of Congress leaders and prominent Muslim religious scholars, presented the petition to the commission. The delegation alleged that BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy made what they described as unprovoked, hate-filled, and provocative remarks specifically targeting the religion of Goush Alam, IPS, the Police Commissioner of Karimnagar.
Judicial Member Directs DGP for Comprehensive Report
After a thorough examination of the submitted petition, Judicial Member Shivadi Praveena of the THRC issued the order for the DGP to investigate and report. The case has been registered under HRC No. 329/2026. According to the public relations officer of the THRC, the commission is treating this matter with utmost seriousness, emphasizing the need for a prompt and impartial inquiry to uphold justice and communal harmony.
Allegations of Religious Targeting and Social Media Fallout
In his complaint, Qureshi detailed that the MLA's remarks included comments related to religious conversions, which he labeled as unwarranted, baseless, and inappropriate. He argued that targeting a serving IPS officer on religious grounds not only undermines the dignity of the civil services but also poses a threat to communal harmony in Telangana. Qureshi further highlighted that he raised this issue on social media, seeking clarification from BRS working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) and the party leadership. Although Kaushik Reddy later issued an apology, Qureshi claimed that KTR did not respond to his queries and instead blocked him on social media platforms.
Questions Raised on Party's Secular Stance and Legal Action
Qureshi expressed deep concern over the silence of the BRS leadership, questioning how a political party that professes to follow secular values could fail to take any disciplinary action against its legislator. He urged the THRC to examine the matter comprehensively and take appropriate legal measures to ensure accountability. The commission's intervention is seen as a crucial step in addressing allegations that could impact social cohesion and the integrity of public institutions in the state.
This development underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining communal harmony and the role of human rights bodies in safeguarding constitutional values. The outcome of the DGP's report is eagerly awaited, as it will likely influence future discourse on political accountability and religious sensitivity in Telangana's public sphere.
