Result Of Contagious Disease Called Intolerance: Kapil Sibal On Journalists' Arrest In Telangana

Senior Supreme Court lawyer and Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal has condemned the arrest of two Telangana journalists, calling it a result of a “contagious disease called intolerance.” Criticising the state government’s move, he said, “Telangana arrests two journalists for criticising the CM, for spreading falsehoods inciting divisions to disturb law and order. Really? Arrest is not the solution. It is the result of a contagious disease called intolerance!”

The arrested journalists, Pogadadanda Revathi, Managing Director of Pulse News, and Thanvi Yadav, a reporter for the same channel, were taken into custody by Hyderabad Police’s Cyber Crime division on Wednesday. A third individual, who operates an X account under the name ‘NippuKodi,’ was also detained. The arrests followed a complaint by the head of the Congress’ state social media unit, leading to charges including publishing obscene material, criminal conspiracy, spreading rumours, and inciting hatred.

The controversy revolves around a video posted on the ‘NippuKodi’ account, in which a Pulse News reporter interviews an individual allegedly making derogatory remarks about Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. The police have claimed the post was highly provocative and a deliberate attempt to incite violence and spread propaganda against the Chief Minister.

The arrests have sparked outrage, particularly from the opposition BRS, which was unseated by Congress in 2023. Speaking to NDTV, senior BRS leader KT Rama Rao accused the ruling party of being intolerant of criticism and pushing Telangana towards an authoritarian regime. “It feels like a state of Emergency has returned in Telangana,” he remarked.

With growing criticism, the arrests have raised concerns over press freedom and the handling of dissent in the state. Whether the Congress government will defend its stance or reconsider its actions remains to be seen.