Women Journalists Petition Hyderabad Police Over Online Abuse; Commissioner Assures Swift Action
Hyderabad City Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar has promised strict action against those issuing online threats and abusive content targeting women journalists, following a formal complaint submitted on Tuesday.
A group of women journalists, including independent reporter Thulasi Chandu, met the Commissioner to detail the sustained online trolling, harassment, and vulgar attacks they have been facing. The delegation submitted videos, screenshots, and other evidence showing derogatory posts, targeted hate campaigns, and repeated intimidation attempts by several social media accounts.
Commissioner Sajjanar instructed the journalists to provide all available links and digital evidence to assist the investigation. “We will take action at the earliest,” he assured, adding that the material submitted would be thoroughly examined.
In their written complaint, the journalists alleged that the trolling appeared to be a coordinated effort aimed at silencing them and disrupting their professional work. Some offenders, they said, had even shared residential details of journalists online, escalating the threat to personal safety. They called for a detailed probe under relevant sections of the IPC and IT Act, firm action against the abusive handles, and protective measures for women journalists facing cyber threats.
Delegation Approaches Women’s Commission
Later, the group also met Telangana State Commission for Women (TSCW) Chairperson Nerella Sharada, seeking the Commission’s intervention. They urged the TSCW to set up a special monitoring cell for online harassment, ensure strict enforcement of cyber laws, and launch awareness campaigns to curb digital abuse.
Sharada responded positively, assuring that the issue would be escalated to Telangana DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy, Commissioner Sajjanar, Cyber Security Bureau Director Shikha Goel, and the Chief Minister’s Office. She added that the Commission is drafting a comprehensive action plan to tackle online violence against women and strengthen mechanisms for their safety.
