Cyber Crime Police book 42 following Anasuya’s plea on online abuse

Hyderabad: Prominent actress and television presenter Anasuya Bharadwaj has taken decisive legal action against severe online abuse, filing a formal complaint with the Cyberabad Cyber Crime Police. Following her complaint regarding targeted harassment, defamation, and the circulation of obscene digital content, the police have registered a case against 42 individuals, including journalists, social media influencers, and content creators.

According to police officials, the FIR (No. 81/2026) was registered on January 12, 2026. The charges invoke multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—including Sections 75, 79, 336(4), 351, and 356—alongside Sections 66-E and 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

The controversy reportedly stems from incidents in late December 2025. In her complaint, Anasuya stated that the harassment began after she voiced her opinion on personal freedom following a Telugu actor’s controversial remarks about women's clothing at a public event. She alleged that subsequent to the actor’s press meet on December 24, various digital platforms and individuals launched a coordinated attack against her.

Anasuya highlighted that the abuse escalated beyond verbal insults to include criminal intimidation and sexual harassment. She specifically cited the creation and circulation of AI-generated deepfake videos and morphed photographs intended to malign her character and violate her privacy.

The FIR names several known figures, including Shekhar Basha, Karate Kalyani, Bojja Sandhya Reddy, and anchors from various digital outlets, alongside unidentified persons. Investigating officer Inspector G. Vijay Kumar confirmed that authorities are currently examining digital evidence and social media footprints as part of the ongoing probe.