Former Union Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Thursday brought up the arrest of two journalists in Telangana in the Rajya Sabha, questioning the Congress-led state government’s move and calling it an example of “growing intolerance”.
Sibal, who has often been vocal about press freedom and democratic rights, took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the arrests, stating:
“Telangana arrests two journalists for criticising CM, for spreading falsehood, inciting divisions to disturb law and order. Really? Arrest is not the solution. It is the result of a contagious disease called: Intolerance!”
The remarks came after Hyderabad Police’s cyber crime division arrested Pulse News Managing Director Pogadadanda Revathi and reporter Thanvi Yadav on Wednesday. A third person, associated with the X account ‘NippuKodi’, has also been detained.
The arrests were made following a complaint by the Congress’ Telangana social media chief, accusing the journalists of posting and amplifying abusive content against Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. The charges include publishing obscene content, criminal conspiracy, and inciting hatred.
The police claim the arrests were linked to a video posted on X, where a Pulse News reporter interviewed an individual who allegedly made “derogatory” and “abusive” comments about the CM. Authorities argue the video was “highly provocative”, with the potential to incite violence.
Bringing up the issue in the Rajya Sabha, Sibal questioned the Congress government’s commitment to press freedom, stating that silencing journalists through arrests sets a dangerous precedent. He called on the government to immediately release the detained reporters and uphold democratic values.