Congress warns against fake news as police file case
Hyderabad: Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee issued a strong warning against the spread of fake news clippings and communal disinformation, emphasizing that such material could severely disrupt public peace. This alert surfaced as Hyderabad City Cybercrime Police registered a case concerning fabricated political content directed at Congress candidate Naveen Yadav, just before the Jubilee Hills Assembly by-election. The development highlighted growing concerns over misinformation tactics during the electoral period.
TPCC spokesperson Syed Nizamuddin submitted the complaint that triggered the police action. He detailed how certain social media accounts were disseminating fake clippings that falsely attributed inflammatory remarks to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and other Congress leaders. The clear intent, according to Nizamuddin, involved deceiving voters and sowing seeds of communal discord among communities.
The FIR, assigned number 1948/2025, invoked Sections 353(2), 352, and 336(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Authorities logged it at the Basheerbagh Cybercrime Police Station. The fabricated clippings gained traction across major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X, where various accounts and groups facilitated their widespread circulation. Nizamuddin’s complaint underscored the potential for this content to mislead young people, heighten inter-community suspicions, and escalate into broader law-and-order challenges if left unaddressed.
Sub-Inspector T. Vinay Kumar assumed responsibility for the investigation. The probe concentrated on uncovering the origins of the clippings, including their creation, editing processes, and methods of dissemination. Police efforts aimed to pinpoint and hold accountable those individuals behind the operation.
After the case registration, Nizamuddin engaged with journalists. He expressed appreciation for the police’s rapid handling and reiterated Congress’s commitment to initiating legal proceedings against any entities or persons involved in spreading fake or communal content. This stance reflected the party’s zero-tolerance policy toward campaigns that undermined electoral integrity.
“The creation and circulation of fabricated clippings during elections is a serious offence. Such acts not only mislead voters but also endanger communal harmony. The Congress party will not tolerate these malicious campaigns,” Nizamuddin said.
He further advised the public to rigorously verify the authenticity of any political material encountered online before sharing it further. Nizamuddin encouraged citizens to promptly report any suspected misleading content to the relevant authorities, fostering a collective effort to combat disinformation.
“These fake clippings are meant to divide communities and damage public trust. We appeal to everyone to maintain peace and not fall prey to misinformation,” Nizamuddin added.
Nizamuddin confidently projected a resounding victory for Naveen Yadav in the Jubilee Hills constituency. He attributed the resort to fake news by BRS leaders to their eroding public support base. Meanwhile, Congress maintained vigilant oversight of such illegal activities, with assurances that stringent measures would be enforced against violators to safeguard the democratic process.
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