Date: February 07, 2025
RGV Questioned at Ongole PS Over Morphing of Chandrababu
RGV Questioned at Ongole PS Over Morphing of CRGV Questioned at Ongole PS Over Morphing of Chandrababu & Pawan Kalyan’s Images
Controversial filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) found himself at the center of a legal storm after being summoned by the Ongole Rural Police on Friday. The questioning, led by Circle Inspector Srikant Babu, was related to a case involving morphed images and objectionable social media posts targeting key political figures in Andhra Pradesh.
This development follows a complaint lodged by TDP leader M. Ramalingam, who accused Varma of spreading misinformation and defaming opposition leaders during the election campaign. The police are now investigating the impact of these posts and the motivation behind RGV’s actions.
What Led to RGV’s Police Summons?
The case revolves around posts made by RGV during the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections. Known for his outspoken political stance and support for the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), RGV actively campaigned in favor of Jagan Mohan Reddy’s party through his social media platforms and films.
During this period, he directed a political drama titled ‘Vyuham’, which was perceived as pro-YSRCP propaganda. In addition to the film, RGV shared digitally altered images of:
- Chandrababu Naidu (then Opposition Leader, now Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister)
- Nara Lokesh (TDP General Secretary and Minister)
- Pawan Kalyan (Jana Sena Party President and current Deputy Chief Minister)
These manipulated images, allegedly meant to mock and discredit them, sparked outrage among opposition party members, particularly TDP and JSP supporters.
TDP Leader Files Complaint Against RGV
The controversy took a legal turn when M. Ramalingam, a TDP leader from Maddipadu, formally filed a complaint against RGV. The complaint accused the filmmaker of:
Defamation – Using morphed images to tarnish the reputation of political leaders
Spreading Fake News – Manipulating media content to influence public perception
Violating Election Norms – Engaging in misleading propaganda during the campaign
Following the complaint, the police registered a formal case and served legal notices to RGV, summoning him for questioning at the Ongole Rural Police Station.
RGV’s Investigation & His Defense
During the interrogation, the police questioned RGV on several key points:
Who created the manipulated images?
What was the intent behind sharing them?
Did he have political backing to do so?
Was there a coordinated effort to influence voters?
While RGV has not issued an official statement, sources close to him suggest that he denied any malicious intent and claimed that his actions were purely artistic expressions. However, critics argue that his posts were strategically timed to sway public opinion during the elections.
Political Reactions & YSRCP’s Support for RGV
The incident has triggered mixed reactions across political circles. While TDP and JSP leaders have strongly condemned RGV’s actions, YSRCP members have stood by the filmmaker.
Notably, YSRCP leader Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy and several other party members accompanied RGV to the police station, indicating political backing. Their presence has fueled speculation that the YSRCP leadership is indirectly supporting RGV in this legal battle.
Meanwhile, TDP supporters have taken to social media, demanding strict legal action against RGV for his actions. JSP members have also criticized the director, accusing him of unethical political interference.
What’s Next for RGV?
As the investigation continues, there are several possibilities:
If found guilty, RGV could face legal consequences, including fines or potential restrictions on his social media activities.
If cleared of wrongdoing, this case could be dismissed as an attempt to target political opponents.
Regardless of the outcome, RGV’s image as a filmmaker and political commentator has been deeply affected.
Given the high-profile nature of this case, it is expected to remain in the public and political discourse for the coming weeks. Whether RGV’s provocative actions were merely an exercise in free speech or a calculated political move will be determined by the law.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.