On 12 March 2025, journalists Revathi and Tanvi were arrested by the Cyberabad Cyber Crime Police after interviewing a 70-year-old farmer from Telangana, who had made remarks critical of the Chief Minister. An FIR was registered against them under various sections of the Information Technology Act and the Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges of transmitting obscene material, organised crime, criminal conspiracy, spreading false information, and intentional insult. The FIR was based on a complaint by a Congress functionary.

Both journalists were remanded to judicial custody at Chanchalguda Women’s Prison. During an assembly session on 15 March, the Chief Minister threatened to “strip and parade” those who abused him or his family under the guise of political criticism. On 17 March, the court granted bail to the journalists on a personal bond of ₹25,000 with conditions to report to police twice weekly.

HRDA condemned the arrests, calling them a reprisal against legitimate journalistic work and an attempt to silence critical voices.

Appeal:         

We urge the Hon’ble Commission to take cognisance of the above case and urgently:

•  To direct the Director General of Investigation of the NHRC to initiate a transparent, independent inquiry and submit the report to the NHRC.