In a controversial move, the Telangana state government has booked a journalist for raising a civic issue, specifically complaining about a power failure within Hyderabad city limits. This incident starkly highlights the government’s tendency to target the messenger rather than address the issue at hand.
The journalist, expressing her shock, shared a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). She stated, “In a BIZARRE move, an FIR has been lodged against me while the actual culprits from Telangana Power & Co, who harassed a female consumer in broad daylight, walk free! @RahulGandhi @priyankagandhi @revanth_anumula – Is this your stance on media independence? Is your government trying to silence journalists who expose the truth?”
MY MEDAL OF HONOR: AN FiR 🎖️🎖️🎖️
In a BIZARRE move, an FIR has been lodged against me while the actual culprits from Telangana Power & Co, who harassed a female consumer in broad daylight, walk free!@RahulGandhi @priyankagandhi @revanth_anumula – Is this your stance on media… pic.twitter.com/sZ1EmPL4m1
— Revathi (@revathitweets) June 19, 2024
According to the FIR, an assistant engineer in the Saroornagar Division of Telangana State Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) claimed that on June 18, 2024, around 1700 hours, he received a message from higher officials regarding a post by the journalist with the username @revathitweets. The post alleged a seven-hour power interruption in the LB Nagar Area. However, the engineer stated that an inquiry into the substation data sheets from the past six months showed no such power interruption.
The FIR further states, “The complainant asserted that this was a false allegation, intentionally defaming the state government and TGSPDCL. He requested action against @revathitweets for spreading false propaganda and making the incident viral on social media. Consequently, a case was registered under Section 505 of the IPC and Section 66(D) of the IT Act, with the investigation handed over to the police.”
This development has drawn widespread criticism from the journalist community and has raised questions about the Congress government’s heavy-handed approach towards addressing civic issues raised through social media. Instead of resolving the legitimate concern, the government chose to target the journalist, akin to shooting the messenger.
CONgress Govt in Telangana has filed FIR against a journalist who pointed out power cut & subsequent hooliganism of power officials visiting the residence of complainant.
All the self-appointed champions of Freedom of Expression across the Nation on hibernation mode as Telangana… https://t.co/iyPMZ0LxHU
— Sumiran Komarraju (@SumiranKV) June 19, 2024
Such actions by the Congress government send a strong message to journalists and social media activists: raising complaints or criticising the government can result in police cases that severely disrupt personal and professional lives.
On June 18, the journalist shared the police’s response to her complaint about the civic issue. This response has been heavily criticised by prominent figures, including Amit Malviya, In-charge of the BJP’s National Information & Technology Department.
A VEILED THREAT?!
My tweet about a woman being harassed by @tgspdcl’s employee evoked response from many.
BUT what I didn’t expect is how swiftly the POLICE will react to my tweet!
Within minutes of my tweet – the Rachakonda Police handle messaged me 😊😀!
Why did the… pic.twitter.com/jVf7HCn3LM
— Revathi (@revathitweets) June 18, 2024
These developments highlight a continuing pattern of the Congress party’s antagonism towards journalists and their voices since it came into power. This behavior is reminiscent of historical actions, such as the First Amendment to the Constitution in 1951 by Prime Minister Nehru, which drastically curbed freedom of expression and speech, clamping down on voices critical of the government.
As the nation approaches June 25th, it is a reminder of one of the darkest periods in India’s democratic history: the Emergency declared by the Congress government in 1975. This incident in Telangana serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for media independence and freedom of expression in India.
