Hyderabad police have registered a cybercrime case after a 29‑year‑old UPSC candidate complained of defamatory videos linking him to unrelated allegations. The false content has tarnished his reputation and caused severe mental distress.
Key Takeaways (मुख्य बिंदु)
- UPSC aspirant files a cybercrime complaint
- Defamatory videos linked him to false allegations
- Hyderabad police invoked IT Act Section 67 to register the case
Hyderabad’s cyber‑crime wing has formally registered a case following a complaint by 29‑year‑old UPSC aspirant Harshith Kaveti. A resident of Banjara Hills, Kaveti alleges that several social‑media accounts, operating under the aliases of journalist Rakesh, Thirupathi (TRTV) and others, circulated videos falsely identifying him as the man accused of impregnating a woman from a Scheduled Caste community.
Details of the Allegation
The offending posts claimed that Kaveti, who shares his first name with another individual under investigation, was responsible for the alleged pregnancy. Kaveti clarified that he has no office in Manikonda and no connection to the accusations. He also highlighted his familial link to Union Minister of State for Home, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, suggesting that the similarity in names led to the misuse of his photographs online.
Impact on Reputation and Mental Health
Following the viral spread of the content, Kaveti received a flood of calls and messages from relatives, friends, and acquaintances, subjecting him and his family to intense mental anguish and social stigma. He further contended that the controversy has disrupted his rigorous UPSC preparation, jeopardizing his chances in one of India’s most competitive examinations.
Evidence and Demands
Kaveti submitted an audio recording purportedly capturing a conversation between Bhethi Mahender Reddy and journalist Thirupathi, wherein they discussed fabricating the allegations to evade legal repercussions. He urged the police to verify the authenticity of the tape, delete the defamatory material from all platforms, identify the perpetrators, and initiate criminal proceedings against them.
Legal Framework
Based on the complaint, the police have invoked Section 67 of the Information Technology Act— which penalises the publishing or transmitting of obscene, offensive, or defamatory material online—along with relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation is ongoing, and the case underscores the growing relevance of cyber‑law enforcement in protecting individual reputation in the digital age.
