NTV journalist Devi alleges harassment by Telangana Police

NTV journalist questions police action after prolonged questioning

A woman journalist with NTV has voiced strong objections to the manner in which Telangana Police handled her questioning, alleging mental harassment and unnecessary intrusion into her personal space. The journalist, Devi, said she was targeted despite performing her professional duties and cooperating fully with the authorities.

Speaking publicly, Devi stated that her role was limited to reading out news content as part of her job. She stressed that she did not add commentary or personal opinion and merely presented the news assigned to her in the normal course of her work.

‘Only doing my professional duty.’

Devi said she was summoned and questioned for nearly three hours, during which she answered every query put to her. Despite the prolonged interrogation, she maintained that she remained cooperative and transparent throughout the process.

She questioned the need for police personnel to visit her residence late at night, even after she had already complied with the questioning earlier in the day. Devi said the visit caused distress not only to her but also to her family members.

Concerns over mental harassment

The journalist described the experience as mentally taxing, stating that repeated questioning and late-night visits amounted to harassment. She said her family was inconvenienced and made uncomfortable, despite there being no allegation of criminal activity against her.

“We are not criminals,” she said, asserting that such actions were unwarranted for someone carrying out routine journalistic responsibilities.

Women’s dignity at the centre of the issue

Devi also raised concerns over what she described as selective sensitivity. Referring to claims that police action was taken in the interest of protecting women’s dignity, she questioned why the same consideration was not extended to her as a woman journalist.

She said the episode raised larger questions about the treatment of media professionals and the boundaries of police action, particularly when women are involved.

Wider implications for press freedom

The incident has sparked discussion in media circles about press freedom and the pressures faced by journalists while discharging their duties. While no official response from the police was available at the time, the episode has drawn attention to the need for clear protocols when engaging with media personnel.

Devi’s remarks have added to an ongoing debate on balancing law enforcement responsibilities with respect for professional independence and personal dignity.