Hyderabad, Jan 12 (Maxim News): Telangana police have registered an FIR against NTV management and several social media channels for allegedly broadcasting false and baseless news about a woman IAS officer.
The case follows a formal complaint by the Telangana IAS Officers Association and the IPS Officers Association, which strongly condemned the telecast and its circulation online.
Based on the complaint, Hyderabad Central Crime Station registered FIR No 07 of 2026. The complaint came from IAS Officers Association secretary and senior IAS officer Jayesh Ranjan.
Police named NTV management, along with editors, reporters, and multiple digital platforms, in the case. As a result, the CCS began an investigation into the content and its spread.
According to the complaint, a news segment aired on NTV on January 8 made indirect allegations against a woman IAS officer. The report suggested links between the officer and political leaders.
It also implied that such connections influenced her postings and promotions. Although the channel did not name her, the association said the story revealed her identity through references to her past roles as Nalgonda Collector and as a government secretary.
FIR Over False News Triggers Strong Official Response
The IAS Association stated that the broadcast violated the officer’s privacy and harmed her dignity. Moreover, it alleged that the content included objectionable remarks, sexual innuendos, and double meaning statements.
Therefore, the association termed the report defamatory and misleading. It also said the broadcast damaged public trust in civil services.
Police also booked several social media platforms for amplifying the content. These include Telugu Scribe on X, MR Media Telangana, Prime9 Telangana, PV News, Signal TV Telugu, Volga Times, Mirror TV Official, and T News Telugu. Officials said these platforms helped the story go viral, which worsened the impact.
Based on Jayesh Ranjan’s complaint, police invoked sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These include Sections 75, 78, and 79 related to harassment and insult to the dignity of women.
Police also added Sections 351(1) and 352(2) for acts that disturb public order and peace. Consequently, the CCS initiated a detailed probe.
Meanwhile, several ministers and senior officials reacted strongly to the incident. They condemned the circulation of unverified and defamatory news against a serving officer.
In addition, they demanded strict action against those responsible. Public anger has also grown across Telangana. Many citizens expressed concern over the targeting of a woman officer through unproven allegations.
Officials reiterated that freedom of expression does not permit character assassination.
They stressed that media houses and digital platforms must verify facts before publication. The investigation remains ongoing. (Maxim News)
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