Komatireddy warns legal action against media assassinating character of women officers

Hyderabad

Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy condemned what he described as a spate of false and malicious media reports targeting constitutional authorities, ministers and women IAS officers, and warned of strict legal action after a detailed investigation.

Responding to reports in news channels, he said that even Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) were being dragged into baseless controversies, followed by fabricated reports against the ministers. Calling the reports aired by certain media channels “deliberately misleading,” he said that the issue has been discussed with the Director General of Police (DGP) too.

Mr. Venkat Reddy said that he had requested the DGP to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and asked Intelligence officials to submit a detailed report on the circulation of fake news. “After the report is received, legal action will be initiated against those responsible,” he said.

The Minister categorically denied allegations of political or ministerial interference in administrative matters, clarifying that ministers have no role in Collectors’ postings.

Strongly condemning media campaigns against women officers, the Minister said that mentally harassing women bureaucrats through false narratives was highly objectionable. While political leaders may face criticism in the media, dragging IAS officers into controversies without evidence was unacceptable, he added.

He appealed media organisations to refrain from publishing unverified reports. “False news must stop immediately,” he asserted.

Speaking emotionally, Mr. Komatireddy recalled resigning from a ministerial post for the Telangana movement and the personal loss of his son. He said he continues to serve the people in his son’s name and is committed to public service. “Spreading false propaganda against me is unjustified. I have been elected MLA five times and MP once, and I won as MP with a record margin,” he said.