Telangana Roads & Buildings (R&B) Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy strongly criticised what he described as false and defamatory media reports circulating about him and senior women IAS officers.
The minister expressed deep anguish over claims that he had engaged in political interference in the transfer and posting of IAS officials, saying such reports were completely baseless and amounted to mental harassment of individuals and officers. He emphasised that transfers and postings of IAS officers are decided by the Chief Minister and senior administrative norms, and that individual ministers have no role in these decisions.
Speaking emotionally, Venkat Reddy said that allowing rumours and fake narratives to spread could have serious consequences, and warned that action would be taken against outlets and individuals responsible for propagating them. He noted that senior police and intelligence officials have been instructed to conduct a thorough inquiry into the origin and spread of the false information, and that action would follow based on the findings.
He also criticised certain social media campaigns and television reports for targeting women IAS officers, labelling such coverage as irresponsible and harmful. The minister appealed to media organisations to adhere to professional standards of journalism, urging journalists to avoid publishing unverified claims that could damage reputations.
Venkat Reddy also shared personal reflections, recalling his long career in public service and remarking on the mental distress such unsubstantiated stories can cause. He reiterated his commitment to social work and appealed for responsible reporting rather than sensationalism that he said could hurt individuals and undermine public trust.
