What Did Telangana DGP Say About Social Media Character Assassination?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Social media platforms must refrain from character assassination.
- Legal actions will be taken against those spreading false information.
- The DGP has previously issued guidelines on social media usage.
- Investigations are ongoing against media channels involved in defamation.
- Responsible online behavior is crucial for maintaining integrity.
Hyderabad, Jan 14 (NationPress) The Director General of Police (DGP) of Telangana, B. Shivadhar Reddy, issued a stern warning to social media platforms on Wednesday, urging them to refrain from engaging in character assassination. The DGP expressed his outrage over the ongoing incidents of character defamation on these platforms, stating that disseminating false information about individuals and their families, making untrue allegations, and spreading fake news will not be tolerated.
He acknowledged the right to constructive criticism and lawful opinions but emphasized that any misuse of social media to propagate falsehoods would lead to stringent actions against the offenders.
After assuming the role of DGP on October 1 of the previous year, he had established guidelines for social media usage, making it clear that violations would be met with legal consequences.
The DGP reiterated their commitment to pursuing legal action against anyone involved in character assassination, damaging the reputation of others, or engaging in similar acts through social media.
This warning comes in light of the ongoing police investigation into several television channels and social media platforms for broadcasting and distributing a potentially defamatory story concerning a minister and a female IAS officer.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) working on the case arrested two journalists from the Telugu news channel NTV on Wednesday.
The complaint, filed by Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan on behalf of the IAS Officers' Association, alleges that NTV aired a news report on January 8 that was entirely false, fabricated, and without basis.
According to the complaint, unverified claims were made against a serving female IAS officer, suggesting an alleged personal relationship with a political figure and attempting to connect her official duties with these unfounded allegations.
The eight-member SIT is also investigating the sharing of an obscene and humiliating image of the Chief Minister within a WhatsApp group.