In a strong rebuttal to recent allegations, Telangana Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy denounced what he called “false propaganda” circulating on social media regarding his purported connection to a female IAS officer. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, the minister condemned the spread of unverified claims that have recently dominated regional media outlets.

“It is not appropriate to spread false news that could damage personal reputation,” Reddy stated during the press meet. He challenged those propagating such stories to consider the implications of their actions, asking, “Imagine yourself in the place of that woman officer. What do you achieve by harassing women officers and creating trouble for ministers’ families?”

The controversy emerged after several vernacular channels in Telangana broadcast stories alleging an “affair” between the minister and the IAS officer. These reports quickly gained traction across social media platforms, prompting the official response.

Earlier the same day, the Telangana Indian Police Service (IPS) Officers Association issued a statement in solidarity with their administrative service colleagues, describing the allegations as “a deliberate attempt at character assassination, carried out under the garb of journalism, with the sole intent of sensationalism and vilification.”

The association’s statement further criticized the targeting of women officers, describing such actions as reflective of “a deeply regressive and misogynistic mindset.” Their intervention highlights growing concern within civil service circles about the impact of unverified reporting on professional reputations and personal lives of government officials.

The minister, who also holds the Roads and Buildings portfolio in the state government, addressed other pressing matters during his appearance, including recent ticket price increases in the film industry. Reddy revealed he has deliberately distanced himself from cinema-related decisions following a tragic incident during the release of “Pushpa 2,” where a woman died in a stampede.

“I felt bad about why I gave permission when a woman died during the release of the Pushpa 2 movie. I even gave money for the boy’s treatment,” he explained. “Now I have no connection with the increased prices for movies.”

This statement comes at a time when the Telangana film industry faces scrutiny over ticket pricing policies, with critics arguing that excessive hikes disadvantage average moviegoers while benefiting industry insiders and multiplex owners.

With the Sankranti festival approaching, Reddy shifted focus to transportation planning, detailing arrangements made to accommodate the expected surge in travel as residents return to their native places for celebrations. According to official estimates, approximately 12 lakh vehicles will be on Telangana’s roads during this period.

“We’ve instructed toll gate operators to immediately open barriers if traffic congestion develops at collection points,” Reddy said, outlining a comprehensive strategy to minimize travel disruptions. Additional safety measures include positioning ambulances every 20 kilometers along major routes and deploying towing vehicles to quickly clear disabled vehicles.

The Sankranti holiday, one of South India’s most significant harvest festivals, typically sees massive population movement from urban centers like Hyderabad to rural areas, putting considerable strain on transportation infrastructure.

This controversy surrounding Minister Reddy occurs against the backdrop of Telangana’s evolving political landscape, where accusations against public officials have increasingly become weaponized through social media platforms and regional news outlets. Media ethics experts have noted that such allegations, whether substantiated or not, can significantly impact public perception of government institutions and individual reputations.

The IPS Officers Association’s unusual public intervention signals growing concern within administrative circles about protecting civil servants, particularly women, from becoming collateral damage in political or media controversies.