No role for ministers in IAS transfers, stop targeting women officers: Komatireddy Venkat Reddy

Hyderabad: Telangana Roads & Buildings (R&B) Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy has strongly condemned what he described as a deliberate campaign on social media and certain television channels to malign women officers with baseless and objectionable reports.

He made it clear that ministers have no role in the transfer of IAS officers and urged the media to act responsibly, keeping in mind the emotional and social impact of such reporting on officers and their families.

“Ministers have no role in IAS transfers”

Speaking to the media here on Saturday, Venkat Reddy categorically stated that the transfer of IAS officers falls strictly under the purview of the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary. “Ministers cannot transfer IAS officers. Such claims being circulated on social media are completely false and irresponsible,” he said.

Appeal for responsible media reporting

The minister expressed anguish over the nature of certain reports targeting women officers. “Before publishing or broadcasting obscene or defamatory stories, one must think about the families involved. IAS and IPS officers work under immense pressure and often without holidays. They too have families who suffer mentally because of such rumours,” he said.

He reminded the media that criticism and counter-criticism are part of politics, but dragging officers, especially women, into controversies is unacceptable.

“Put yourself in their place”

Komatireddy urged journalists and social media users to show empathy. “Imagine yourself in the place of that woman officer. Is it a crime for women to work? What do you achieve by harassing women officers and creating trouble for ministers’ families?” he asked.

He also cautioned against unchecked criticism on social media, noting that attacks on the Chief Minister and officers have crossed all limits.

Emotional appeal, personal pain

In an emotional remark, the minister said that such malicious campaigns could even push people towards extreme steps. “These kinds of false stories can lead to suicides. I respond when I see someone in pain, that is my nature. If you think troubling me will achieve something, go ahead. I am already grieving the loss of my son,” he said.

“Stopped focusing on film industry”

Komatireddy Venkat Reddy also said he has completely stopped involving himself in matters related to the film industry, stating that after the Pushpa controversy he discontinued granting permissions for premium shows.

The minister also clarified that files related to ticket price hikes and premium show permissions for the films Rajasaab and a Chiranjeevi starrer never came to him, and that government orders were issued without his knowledge.

“I neither focused on the film industry nor intended to,” he said, and added that he was being subjected to severe mental harassment despite having lived a fearless life. The minister remarked that those who commit wrongs will ultimately be punished by God and questioned whether it was wrong for officers to sit beside him during district-level review meetings.

Referring to his political career, he said he had won elections six times despite constant criticism, and made an emotional remark that if someone believes he should not remain in politics, “they might as well poison me and kill me,” highlighting the intensity of the pressure he is facing.