The arrest of three NTV Journalists created a major political stir in Telangana on Bhogi Day. The incident quickly became a talking point across political and media circles.
The journalists were arrested for airing a Gossip Program. The show alleged that some women IAS officers were receiving preferred postings by offering sexual favours to Ministers. The program appeared to target a Minister in the Cabinet from Nalgonda.
After a day of intense developments, one journalist was released. The other two were denied Remand by the Magistrate and were granted Bail in the early hours of today.
During the day, the Opposition BRS Party launched a high-decibel campaign in defence of the channel. Several leaders spoke out against the arrests.
Harish Rao released a video in which he is seen speaking to the DGP. He questioned why the journalists were arrested without serving notice and why the arrests happened on a festival day.
BRS Working President K Taraka Ramarao also posted a long message. He described the arrests as an attack on the Freedom of Press and criticised the timing of the police action.
However, social media users questioned whether the BRS is in a position to speak about press freedom. Many pointed to the party’s past actions while in power.
It was KCR who began the practice of banning news channels after coming to power in 2014. TV9 and ABN telecasts were banned in Telangana to rein in media houses.
TV9 later compromised and got the ban lifted. However, the dispute with ABN continued for a long period.
During its nine-year tenure, the KCR Government reportedly arrested nearly 40 YouTube Journalists. These arrests were allegedly linked to critical coverage of the BRS government and KCR, especially around the Huzurabad by-election.
Teenmaat Mallanna and several independent journalists were also arrested during this period. These incidents drew criticism from various quarters.
The KCR Government also arrested journalist Revathi along with another anchor after a heated TV debate. Revathi, the CEO of MOJO TV, alleged that the action was due to the channel’s anti-government stance.
Even after moving to the Opposition, controversy continued. In June 2025, the office of Mahaa News was attacked by BRS activists after a debate against party working president KT Rama Rao.
Around 20 BRS workers allegedly damaged vehicles and office equipment. A staff member of the channel suffered minor injuries in the incident.
Against this backdrop, many users questioned the moral authority of KTR and Harish Rao. They criticised the leaders for repeatedly lecturing about the Freedom of Press.
Strongly condemn the arrest of three journalists during the festival. Congress rule in Telangana reminds of Emergency days every single time
It is unfortunate how @TelanganaDGP is hell bent on treating journalists like criminals
You could have served them notices and called…
— KTR (@KTRBRS) January 14, 2026
