Telangana Police Detain Three NTV Journalists Over Controversial Telecast

Overview

• Police detained three NTV personnel late on January 13 for questioning about a programme involving a woman IAS officer and a State Minister, with officials yet to confirm formal arrests as of Wednesday.
• The investigation follows an FIR based on the Telangana IAS Officers’ Association’s allegation that the telecast carried false and defamatory content.
• A Special Investigation Team was set up five days after the programme aired, with Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar overseeing the inquiry.
• BRS leaders, the Telangana BJP and journalist bodies condemned the late-night action and demanded immediate release, calling it a blow to press freedom during the Sankranti period.
• Critics argued that bailable offences should prompt notices and summons rather than midnight raids, while police said the journalists were called for questioning as part of the probe.