Court orders criminal case against Telangana Minister Konda Surekha in defamation suit filed by KTR

A city court has directed the police to register a criminal case against Telangana Minister for Environment and Forests, Konda Surekha, in connection with a defamation complaint filed by BRS working president KT Rama Rao (KTR).

The criminal defamation suit was filed by KTR last year after Surekha made televised statements accusing him of phone tapping during the BRS regime. She had also made allegedly defamatory remarks involving him and a prominent Telugu film actor—comments that drew widespread condemnation from the film industry. Prior to filing the suit, KTR had served a legal notice demanding a public apology.

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The Nampally court found sufficient prima facie evidence to proceed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and ordered that a criminal case be registered. A formal notice is to be served to Surekha on or before August 21. As part of the evidence, the petitioner submitted a pen drive containing video footage of her remarks.

Reacting to the court’s direction, a visibly elated KTR wrote on social media: “Power doesn’t absolve you of your nonsensical tirades and character abuse. Power doesn’t give you the right to drag people’s lives through filth. Being in power is an opportunity to serve the public, not to rumour-monger or sling dirt on opponents. I hope this serves as a lesson to everyone who thinks they can get away with spewing venom in the name of politics. It is a long battle, and we are only halfway through. But we will keep fighting!”

Konda Surekha also responded to the court’s directive, stating, “The law will take its course. I have faith in the judicial system of this country.”