SIT formed to probe NTV telecast case over alleged defamation of IAS officer
HYDERABAD: The Telangana police on January 12, 2026, constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe two criminal cases registered over the telecast of alleged fake and defamatory content against a serving woman IAS officer. The SIT has been asked to complete the investigation and file charge sheets expeditiously.
SIT under Sajjanar’s overall supervision
According to an official memorandum issued by the Director General of Police, Telangana, the SIT will function under the overall supervision of V C Sajjanar, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad City. The team will be headed by N Swetha, Joint Commissioner of Police, North Zone, Hyderabad City.
Other members include Yogesh Gautam, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Chevella, Future City; K Venkata Lakshmi, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration), Hyderabad City; V Aravinda Babu, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Cyber Crimes; B Pratap Kumar, Additional Superintendent of Police, Vigilance and Enforcement; G Guru Raghavendra, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Central Crime Station (CCS); Inspector C Shankar Reddy of CI Cell; and Sub-Inspector P Harish of SHE Teams.
FIR based on complaint by IAS officers’ body
One of the cases, Crime No. 07/2026, was registered by the Central Crime Station, Hyderabad, under Sections 75, 78, 79, 351(1) and 352(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), following a complaint by Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary and Secretary of the Telangana IAS Officers’ Association.
In his complaint submitted on January 10, 2026, Jayesh Ranjan alleged that NTV had broadcast “completely false, malicious and baseless” content making insinuations against a serving woman IAS officer, violating her privacy and dignity. He stated that the telecast, though not naming the officer, made oblique references that clearly identified her and linked her official postings to alleged personal relationships.
Allegations of privacy violation and online harassment
The complaint alleged that the telecast used sexually coloured remarks and double-meaning expressions, amounting to character assassination and outraging the modesty of the officer. It further claimed that the content was widely circulated on social media platforms, leading to cyberstalking, online harassment and mental trauma.
The complainant sought registration of cases against the management, editors, reporters and anchors of NTV, as well as associated social media handlers, removal of the content from digital platforms and a thorough investigation into the alleged violations.
Second case in Narayanpet district
The second case, Crime No. 11/2006, was registered at Kosgi police station, Maddur police station limits in Narayanpet district, under Sections 196(2), 353(1)(a), 352 of the BNS and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Police said the SIT would maintain “the highest levels of professional competence” during the investigation, as directed by the DGP.
