Hyderabad: The Ibrahimpatnam Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against individuals accused of circulating a viral video allegedly showing Congress MLA Malreddy Ranga Reddy behaving inappropriately with a female college student during a public bus inspection. The case was filed following a complaint by Ibrahimpatnam Youth Congress president V. Sikinder Reddy, who alleged that the video was being shared with the intention of damaging the MLA’s reputation. Police invoked provisions related to public mischief, forgery intended to harm reputation, and the Information Technology Act. As of now, no case has been registered against the MLA in connection with the incident.

According to the complaint, the MLA was travelling in a Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) bus to review the implementation of the Telangana government’s Mahalakshmi free bus travel scheme for women. Sikinder Reddy claimed that the viral clip presented a misleading picture of the incident and asserted that the physical contact shown in the video occurred accidentally when the bus took a turn. He further alleged that the video was selectively circulated on social media to tarnish the legislator’s image and create political controversy.

The controversy began after a video from the October 6 bus inspection went viral online, showing the 70-year-old MLA interacting with a female college student who spoke about the benefits of the free bus scheme. The footage appeared to show the MLA repeatedly touching or holding the student’s arm and hand while speaking to her, even as she seemed uncomfortable and attempted to move away. The video triggered widespread public debate and criticism on social media, while the registration of an FIR against those sharing the clip has also drawn fresh political reactions. At present, authorities have not announced any investigation or legal action against the MLA regarding the allegations shown in the video.