NTV Telangana Input Editor Donthu Ramesh and reporters Paripoorna Chari and Sudheer were arrested in Hyderabad while preparing to leave for a holiday in Bangkok.
Donthu Ramesh was supposed to travel with his family. The arrests took place at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.
Police have not officially revealed the grounds for the arrests yet. However, sources say the three journalists will be produced before a magistrate on Wednesday. The developments have triggered strong reactions in media and political circles.
The Telangana government had earlier decided to take strict action against TV channels. This followed news reports related to a female IPS officer and a Minister from Nalgonda. The reports led to internal discussions within the government.
The incident occurred five days ago, and Hyderabad Commissioner VC Sajjanar is heading a Special Investigation Team. Based on advice from mediators, NTV issued an apology on Tuesday evening. Many believed the issue had been resolved.
Despite this, Donthu Ramesh was arrested while heading to Bangkok with his family. The channel management has not been informed about the whereabouts of the arrested staff. Officials say they will be produced before a magistrate on Wednesday.
Opposition leader T Harish Rao condemned the arrests. He described them as an attack on democracy and freedom of the press. The issue continues to draw widespread attention across Telangana.