Why Were Two Journalists from Telugu News Channel Released on Bail?
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Synopsis
In a significant development, a city court in Hyderabad has granted bail to two journalists from NTV, amidst allegations of broadcasting a defamatory story. This incident raises questions about press freedom and governmental overreach in Telangana.
Key Takeaways
- Bail granted to NTV journalists by a city court.
- Case involves allegations of a defamatory broadcast.
- Journalists experienced mental harassment during their custody.
- Concerns raised about press freedom in Telangana.
- Formation of a Special Investigation Team for further inquiry.
Hyderabad, Jan 15 (NationPress) A local court has granted bail to two journalists from the Telugu news channel NTV on Thursday, concerning a case tied to the broadcast of an alleged defamatory report about a minister and a female IAS officer. Reporter Dasari Sudheer and input editor Donthu Ramesh, who were taken into custody early on Wednesday, were presented before a magistrate at his residence late that night.
The police requested judicial custody for the journalists, but the magistrate denied the request and ordered their release on bail.
The two journalists were instructed to surrender their passports and were prohibited from leaving the city without prior permission.
During the remand arguments, the defense counsel highlighted to the magistrate that the police had not recorded statements from those claiming to be victims in the case.
After being released, Donthu Ramesh informed the media that they had undergone mental harassment for a full 24 hours.
He pointed out that since the formation of Telangana, working journalists had not been arrested, but the Revanth Reddy government not only detained them without cause but also subjected them to mental distress. He raised questions regarding the formation of the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Previously, Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar stated that a case was registered under Sections 75, 78, 79, 351(1), 352, 61(2), and 238 of the BNS, Section 67 of the IT Act, and Sections 3 and 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, on January 10, against certain Telugu news channels for reportedly airing false allegations against a senior female officer.
A SIT consisting of eight officers was formed to investigate the case, with N. Swetha, Joint Commissioner of Police, Law and Order (North Zone), serving as the lead.
On January 14, during the investigation, the CCS team apprehended the two journalists, Dasari Sudheer (39), Senior Reporter, and Donthu Ramesh (52), Input Editor, of NTV channel.
Ramesh was detained by the RGI Airport Immigration Authority while trying to board a flight to Bangkok via Thai Airways and was subsequently handed over to the CCS police.
The CCS police interrogated both journalists, seized relevant material, and presented them before the Judicial Magistrate for judicial custody.
Point of View
I believe it's imperative to uphold the principles of freedom of the press. The arrest and subsequent release of these journalists highlight the ongoing tensions between media operations and governmental authority in Telangana. Our responsibility is to ensure that journalism remains a robust platform for public discourse, without fear of retribution.
NationPress
15/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the journalists arrested for?
They were arrested for allegedly airing a defamatory story about a minister and a woman IAS officer.
What did the court decide regarding their custody?
The court denied the police's request for judicial custody and granted them bail.
What restrictions were placed on the journalists after their release?
They were instructed to surrender their passports and not leave the city without permission.
