In a strong show of solidarity, associations representing All India Services (AIS) officers in Telangana have vehemently condemned a recent television news report targeting a woman Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. They have labeled the report as false, malicious, and completely unsubstantiated.
Officers' Associations Demand Immediate Action
The united front of the Telangana IAS Officers' Association, the IPS Officers' Association, and the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officers' Association has issued a stern demand. They are calling for an immediate and unconditional public apology from the channel involved. Furthermore, they insist on the removal of the contentious content from all platforms and have urged the channel to stop circulating and amplifying what they term as defamatory material.
In a statement released on Saturday, Telangana IAS Officers' Association secretary Jayesh Ranjan stated that the allegations, which were presented through purported phone calls and WhatsApp chats as evidence, were entirely fabricated. He emphasized that the report was defamatory and published without any factual verification. Ranjan confirmed that the association is actively exploring all legal avenues, including civil and criminal proceedings, to hold those responsible for creating and disseminating the content accountable.
The officers' bodies expressed deep concern over what they see as a gross violation of privacy and dignity, specifically aimed at a woman officer. They asserted that they would not tolerate any actions that undermine the honour and dignity of their colleagues, particularly women in service.
Minister Venkat Reddy Condemns "Baseless Campaign"
In a related development, Roads, Buildings, and Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy on Saturday criticized what he described as a "deliberate and baseless campaign" against woman IAS officers by vested interests. He termed such reporting as irresponsible, damaging, and deeply disturbing.
Raising an alarm over narratives being spread through social media, Minister Reddy noted that while political leaders are often targeted, it is unacceptable to drag IAS officers, including those working in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), into such malicious campaigns. He firmly rejected reports attempting to link him and Nalgonda district to alleged interference, calling them "entirely fabricated."
The minister revealed that he has already discussed the serious issue with the Director General of Police (DGP). Senior police and intelligence officials have been directed to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the origin and circulation of the fabricated news. "Once the report is submitted, strict legal action will be taken against those responsible," he affirmed.
Clarification on Postings and Call for Evidence
Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy took the opportunity to clarify the established administrative process for officer postings. He stated unequivocally that individual ministers have no role in the transfer or posting of district collectors or IAS officers. "IAS postings are decided solely by the chief minister as per established norms. Any suggestion of ministerial or political interference is completely false," he said.
Reiterating that there is no political interference in district collector postings, he urged anyone possessing concrete evidence of wrongdoing to approach the proper authorities instead of resorting to false propaganda. He warned that the continued spread of such misinformation would not be tolerated.
The minister concluded by stating his intention to bring the matter to the notice of the Chief Minister and seek a comprehensive inquiry. He expressed confidence that the ongoing police investigation would reveal the truth and ensure that those behind the false campaigns are held accountable under the law.
