Editors Guild of India Condemns Arrest of Hyderabad Journalist, Urges Protection of Press Freedoms
(Judicial Quest News Network)
The Editors Guild of India has expressed its grave concern and condemnation over the early-morning arrest of Hyderabad-based journalist Ms. Revathi Pogadadanda by the city’s Cybercrime police. The arrest, which took place on Wednesday, reportedly involved police taking Ms. Pogadadanda from her home, along with her husband, in a pre-dawn operation, sparking serious questions about the handling of journalistic freedoms in the state.
Reports suggest that the arrest followed the broadcasting of a video on Ms. Pogadadanda’s YouTube channel, in which a farmer criticized the A. Revanth Reddy CM of Telangana. Some accounts indicate that the video allegedly contained derogatory language and may have violated ethical journalistic standards. However, the Editors Guild refrains from commenting on the content of the video itself. Instead, the Guild focuses on the broader issue—the troubling trend of police intervention in journalistic matters.
While acknowledging the need for responsible journalism, the Guild strongly urges the Telangana government to ensure that any actions taken against journalists are conducted in accordance with due process, respect for free expression, and adherence to justice. The pre-dawn arrest raises alarms about the potential misuse of police powers in cases involving media personnel and underscores the increasing threats to press freedom in the region.
The Guild calls on the Telangana government to guarantee that Ms. Pogadadanda’s rights and safety are fully protected during the course of any legal proceedings. A free and fair press is the cornerstone of a flourishing democracy, and the Guild reiterates that journalists must be allowed to carry out their duties without fear of undue harassment or retaliation.
Simultaneously, the Guild reminds journalists of the importance of ensuring fairness, accuracy, and responsibility in their reporting. News should always be presented with integrity, without malice or bias, to maintain the public trust and uphold the dignity of the profession. The Guild remains steadfast in its belief that a free press—operating within the bounds of ethical responsibility—plays a vital role in shaping an informed and just society.
The arrest of Ms. Pogadadanda sends a troubling message about the treatment of journalists in Telangana and raises important questions about the balance between journalistic responsibility and state control. The Editors Guild calls for immediate action to uphold the principles of press freedom and ensure that such incidents do not become a pattern that stifles the voice of the media.
[Read The Press Statement]
