Woman journalist questioned for seven hours at CCS, BRS alleges harassment

A woman journalist, Jalli Rekha, was allegedly questioned for nearly seven hours at Hyderabad's Central Crime Station in connection with a cybercrime case, drawing criticism from BRS leaders and journalist organisations.

Hyderabad: A woman journalist, Jalli Rekha, was allegedly subjected to prolonged questioning at the Central Crime Station (CCS) in Hyderabad on Wednesday in connection with a case.

According to BRS party leaders and her friends, Jalli Rekha was made to remain at the police station for nearly seven hours and had to wait there with her six-month-old infant and her three-year-old son. 

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The allegations have drawn criticism from BRS leaders, who claimed that the police action amounted to harassment and was intended to intimidate the journalist. They also raised concerns over the implications of the incident for press freedom.

Her friends alleged that CCS personnel had visited Jalli Rekha’s residence around midnight on Tuesday to serve a notice directing her to appear for questioning. They claimed that the police personnel who visited the residence were not accompanied by women police personnel.

The questioning was reportedly linked to the FIR registered by the cybercrime police against Krishank Manne under Sections 353(2) and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). 

The case was registered on a complaint alleging that he made false claims on social media regarding the ownership of properties and pharmaceutical companies by the Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s daughter.

The provisions invoked relate to intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace and making statements that promote enmity, hatred or ill-will.

Police are understood to have questioned Jalli Rekha after her name figured in the FIR. 

BRS leaders and journalist organisations have sought an explanation from senior police officials and urged them to ensure that the rights and welfare of women and children are duly considered during police proceedings.