Opposition leaders decry police interrogation of journalist in Hyderabad

The Bharatiya Janata Party and the Bharat Rashtra Samiti have condemned the conduct of the Hyderabad police, framing the incident as a direct assault on press freedom. BJP representatives highlighted the irony of the ruling party’s public stance on women's rights, questioning how a nursing mother could be subjected to such treatment for performing her professional duties. BRS working president KT Rama Rao intensified the rhetoric, asserting that the investigation was triggered by Rekha’s reporting on alleged corruption involving the family of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.

The police action stems from a notice issued under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, citing a case registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Official documents dated October 6 directed the journalist to appear before investigators to address specific allegations. The notice cautioned that failure to comply could result in arrest, emphasizing that the reporter was required to provide documents and refrain from influencing witnesses. While the state administration maintains the probe is a standard legal procedure, critics argue the timing and manner of the questioning serve as a targeted campaign against those scrutinizing the current leadership.