Netizens demand action over AP YouTuber Praneeth’s offensive jokes

Hyderabad: Praneeth Hanumanthu, a self-proclaimed content creator and son of senior bureaucrat IAS officer H Arun Kumar, recently seen in a brief role as Selva Manikayam Bujjulu in Sudheer Babu’s movie Harom Hara, is facing a major backlash for his latest online video based on incestuous comments and ‘jokes’.

The content creator is based out of Andhra Pradesh.

In his latest video, Praneeth and two others made inappropriate and offensive comments, sexualising a father-daughter relationship under the pretence of humour. The content, which many found grotesque, has led to widespread condemnation. Numerous social media users have tagged the Telangana police, calling for Praneeth’s arrest under the POCSO Act.

Previously known for his critiques of Telugu movies, Praneeth has often drawn the ire of fans of major actors, including Mahesh Babu, for his blunt commentary. Now, however, he faces criticism for degrading and obscene content.

Despite being the son of an IAS officer Praneeth’s actions have not shielded him from criticism.

Telugu actor Sai Dharam Tej has urged chief minister Revanth Reddy, Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu and the police force to take stringent action against Hanumantha. He tweeted on X: “Beyond gruesome, disgusting, and scary. Monsters like these go unnoticed on the very much utilized social platform, doing child abuse in the disguise of so-called fun and dank. Child safety is the need of the hour. I sincerely request Hon'ble Chief Minister of Telangana @revanth_anumala & Deputy CM @Bhatti_Mallu Garu, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh @ncbn Garu & Deputy CM @PawanKalyan Garu, and @naralokesh Garu to take necessary action to curb horrific acts like this in the future.”

https://x.com/iamsaidharamtej/status/1809896679799415243?s=46

Praneeth offers apology

Praneeth subsequently removed the offensive portions of the video and issued an apology on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Edited out the problematic part from the video. Unconditionally and unambiguously apologetic about the lapse in judgment. As a creator, my attempt is always to put a smile. Unfortunately, this time I have crossed the line between what is dark and what is distasteful.”

https://x.com/phanumantwo/status/1809407667867427120?s=46

The apology has not lessened the backlash. Many netizens have pointed out Praneeth’s history of making insensitive jokes about father-daughter relationships, differently-abled individuals, orphans, and the objectification of women.

He has also been accused of promoting and condoning paedophilia in the name of dark humour. In some videos, Praneeth is seen boasting about the ability to create deepfake images of women, further fuelling the controversy.

https://x.com/cinnamonn_boyy/status/1809582019849900202?s=46

The situation has sparked calls for legal action and ignited a broader conversation about the ethical boundaries of online content creation.

FIR filed with Cyber Security

"Addressing the inappropriate comments on a child, an FIR has been filed with Telangana Cyber Security Bureau, and strict actions will follow," said DGP Ravi Gupta.

"We are committed to protecting all citizens, especially children. Offenders misusing social media for humor will face justice, and our team is diligently identifying them. Telangana Govt and Police will intensify efforts to raise awareness about Child Safety and responsible social media use," the DGP wrote on X.