The Telangana state police on Thursday lodged a formal case against two Andhra Pradesh police officials, accusing them of unlawfully detaining popular YouTuber Vijay Kumar, known online as “Ramananda,” during a raid in Hyderabad on March 12, 2024.
According to a complaint filed with the Hyderabad city police, the Andhra officers entered a rented flat in the Banjara Hills area without a warrant, seized electronic equipment, and arrested Kumar on allegations of “obscenity” and “spreading communal hatred” under the Information Technology Act. The complaint alleges that the officers exceeded their jurisdiction, as the alleged offenses were purportedly linked to content posted from Andhra Pradesh, not Telangana.
The Telangana police chief, Dr. K. Anand, said the filing reflects “the need to uphold procedural safeguards and inter‑state cooperation.” He added that the case would be investigated by the Crime Branch, which will examine the legality of the raid, the chain of custody of seized devices, and whether any procedural violations occurred.
The two Andhra officers, identified as Sub‑Inspector R. Ramesh and Assistant Sub‑Inspector S. Kumar, have been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation. Andhra Pradesh’s Home Department has not yet commented on the allegations.
Kumar, who runs a channel with over 1.2 million subscribers focused on social commentary, was released on bail on March 15 after the Hyderabad court found the evidence for the original charges insufficient. In a brief statement, his legal team argued that the arrest was “politically motivated” and intended to silence dissenting voices.
Legal experts note that inter‑state police actions are governed by the Constitution’s directive principles and the 2005 Inter‑State Police Cooperation Protocol, which requires prior coordination and mutual legal assistance. Violations can lead to criminal liability for the officers involved.
Analysis:
The case underscores tensions between state law‑enforcement agencies over jurisdiction in digital‑content investigations, especially when alleged offenses cross state boundaries. If the Telangana police’s allegations hold, the Andhra officers may face charges ranging from illegal detention to abuse of power. The incident also raises broader concerns about the use of cyber‑crime statutes to target online creators, a pattern observed in several recent high‑profile arrests across India. Observers suggest that clearer guidelines and stricter oversight are needed to prevent politicized enforcement actions that could chill free expression.
Sources:
– The Hindu, “Telangana police book case against A.P. police officers over YouTuber’s arrest,” https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/telangana-police-book-case-against-ap-police-officers-over-youtubers-arrest/article71186649.ece
Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
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