Day after KTR’s warning, kin sends notice to 16 media outlets, YouTube channels for ‘smear campaign’

These notices address the “unjust defamation” he faced due to what he claimed were false allegations linking him to the recent raid (on 24 February) at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Hyderabad, where several individuals were found in possession of drugs.

In a statement, BRS working president KTR underscored the need for responsible conduct from certain YouTube channels. He lamented their repeated dissemination of unfounded claims without any evidence.

He asserted that strict legal action would be taken against such channels, including both defamation and criminal charges for conspiracy.

KTR accused the channels of employing misleading thumbnails and fabrications masquerading as news. The BRS leader added that the content was fueled either by “blind opposition or financial incentives from the ruling party”.

బాధ్యతాయుతంగా వ్యవహరించాల్సిన యూట్యూబ్ ఛానళ్లు కొన్ని, ఏలాంటి ఆధారాలు లేకుండా అడ్డగోలుగా, అసత్యాలను పదేపదే ప్రసారం చేస్తున్నాయి. ప్రజలను తప్పుదోవ పట్టించేలా తంబ్ నెయిల్స్ పెడుతూ, వార్తల పేరుతో శుద్ద అబద్దాలను చూపిస్తున్నాయి. గుడ్డి వ్యతిరేకత వలనో లేదా అధికార పార్టీ ఇచ్చే డబ్బులకు…

— KTR (@KTRBRS) March 24, 2024

Also Read: BJP leader’s son arrested in drug raid at a five-star hotel in Hyderabad

Contents of the legal notice

The list of media outlets that received notices from Rajendra Prasad Pakala includes Samayam (Times of India entity), Hit TV Telugu, Tupaki Media Private Limited, Hyderabad Media House Pvt Ltd, Hashtag U, Asianxt Digital Technologies Private Limited, Asianet News Telugu, Andhra Wishesh, Slash Media And Technologies, YOYO MEDIA Private Limited, OKTV Media And Broadcasting Private Limited, Pravasa Media, Wild Wolf News, Dasari Srinivas, YouTube Inc, and Google LLC India Liason Officer.

Legal representatives of Rajendra Prasad, PV Janani and Associates, highlighted the damaging effects of the allegedly false allegations circulating in the media.

The notice sent to media platforms said: “for the last few days, the above-mentioned media have been disseminating false and baseless information implicating that our client is involved in an alleged criminal case. He is deeply affected and is causing severe mental trauma due to the false and malicious information that is being circulated all around.”

It further claimed that various media houses and social media accounts linked Rajendra Prasad to the raid at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Hyderabad on 24 February. The raid allegedly unearthed consumption of illegal or prohibited substances by individuals.

Accusing the media platforms of running a ‘smear campaign’, the notice said it was done with malicious intent that has severely affected his business.

Also Read: Hyderabad 5-star hotel drug bust: Tollywood director, YouTuber booked

Action required 

Accompanied by the links of online articles and YouTube channels, the legal notice demanded the immediate removal of any defamatory content published against Rajendra Prasad Pakala across print media, electronic media, and social media.

Warning against the creation or dissemination of defamatory content against Rajendra Prasad, The notice demanded a public apology.

The notice also asked the media platforms to pay a tentative sum of ₹10 crore compensation for the “damages incurred, encompassing loss of business, mental stress, and trauma” giving the respondents seven days to reply.

(Edited by Kamna Revanoor)