Two journalists from Telangana, Pogadadanda Revathi, the managing director of Pulse News, and Thanvi Yadav, a journalist from the same channel, were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly sharing and promoting offensive content targeting Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, according to police officials.

Additionally, a third individual who operates an X account called 'NippuKodi' was also detained for sharing the video. The arrests took place after the Congress' state social media chief filed a complaint, accusing the individuals of spreading obscene content, being involved in a criminal conspiracy and promoting hatred. According to the police, the video was filmed at the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) headquarters and aimed to insult and defame the chief minister.

Former Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has questioned the move, which has led to criticism of the arrests. “Arrest is not the solution. It is the result of a contagious disease called: Intolerance!” Sibal wrote on X. BRS leader KT Rama Rao condemned the move, accusing the Congress Party of silencing journalists. Taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi, he wrote on X, “Kya Yahi Hain Aap Ki ‘Mohabbat Ki Dukaan’ @RahulGandhi Ji? Arresting two women journalists in the wee hours of the morning!! What is their crime? Giving voice to public opinion on incompetent & corrupt Congress Govt. Last I checked, the Constitution of India… upholds Freedom of Speech.” He further said, “It feels like a state of Emergency has returned in Telangana.”

The Chief Minister was the target of "vulgar, derogatory, insulting, and abusive content" in the film, according to P Viswaprasad, assistant commissioner of police (Crimes and SIT). He said that the journalists had gotten funding from the BRS for their actions and that they were inciting others to disparage the chief minister. “The accused have been doing this repeatedly and posting on social media for fame and views. We will investigate every aspect,” he said. The journalists have been placed in judicial custody for 14 days, with police revealing that they were previously involved in two other cases. Meanwhile, the Congress government has justified the arrests, stating that spreading hate and inciting violence through social media will not be allowed.