Andhra Pradesh Police have launched a search for filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma after he failed to comply with summons over allegedly defamatory posts targeting political figures. Varma’s legal team claims willingness to cooperate digitally, but authorities demand in-person compliance.
By PC Bureau
The Andhra Pradesh Police have intensified their search for filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma after his failure to comply with summons related to alleged defamatory and indecent social media posts targeting political figures.
The case, filed by a complainant in the Prakasam district, accuses Varma of morphing and sharing images of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, and their families in a derogatory manner.
.The posts, which were reportedly made during the promotion of his film Vyuham, drew widespread criticism for their political undertones.
Despite repeated summons, Varma has failed to appear for questioning, prompting the police to launch a manhunt across multiple states, including Hyderabad, Chennai, and Coimbatore.
Varma’s legal team has argued that he is willing to cooperate with the investigation through digital means, citing the advent of digital policing in India. However, the police have insisted on his physical presence, stating that online questioning is insufficient.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court recently dismissed Varma’s plea for protection from arrest, ordering him to either comply with the police summons or seek bail through proper legal channels.
This latest controversy adds to Varma’s long history of legal battles stemming from his provocative statements and films. His works, often characterized by their political undertones, have frequently courted controversy. The current situation highlights the intersection of politics and media in India and the potential legal consequences of online speech.
