Hyderabad's Cyber Crime Police are currently investigating a groundbreaking case that has sent shivers down the spine of the Telugu film industry. Popular actress and television presenter Anasuya Bharadwaj has courageously lodged a formal complaint, exposing a coordinated and vicious online harassment campaign waged against her. The sensational First Information Report (FIR), registered on January 12, 2026, names a staggering 42 individuals, including prominent journalists, social media influencers, and content creators, for their alleged involvement in the digital assault.
The controversy ignited in late December 2025, following remarks made by actor Sivaji at a public event. Sivaji, promoting his film 'Dhandoraa', controversially stated that "beauty lies in complete attire and not in displaying physical assets," urging actresses to favor traditional wear. Anasuya Bharadwaj, known for her outspoken nature, publicly voiced her opinion in support of individual freedom and personal choice in clothing, a stance that unfortunately made her a prime target for online vitriol.
What began as critical commentary quickly escalated into a horrifying ordeal. Anasuya's complaint details a sustained campaign of egregious online abuse, criminal intimidation, defamation, and the widespread circulation of deeply disturbing content. Most alarmingly, the actress has alleged that her images and videos were digitally manipulated using advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to create sexually explicit deepfake videos and morphed photographs, which were then circulated without her consent across various social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and X. The complaint describes obscene commentary, character assassination, defamatory statements, and direct threats against her and her family, amounting to voyeurism and sexual harassment.
The Cyberabad Cyber Crime Police have registered the case under stringent provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 75 (sexual harassment), 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), 336(4) (forgery for the purpose of harming reputation), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 356 (defamation). Additionally, Sections 66-E and 67 of the Information Technology Act have been invoked, highlighting the severe nature of the digital crimes committed.
"The sustained harassment has severely affected my sense of safety, livelihood, and access to public life," Anasuya Bharadwaj stated in her complaint, adding that she is now living in "constant fear of physical harm". The police are currently examining over 30 hyperlinks of reels, shorts, and live streams furnished by the actress as evidence. Authorities are now actively working to identify all accused individuals and are engaging with social media platforms to ensure the removal of the objectionable content.
This landmark case is a stark reminder of the dark underbelly of digital fame and the urgent need for stricter regulations and accountability in the online space. Anasuya Bharadwaj's brave stand against this malicious campaign is a powerful message to all those who misuse digital platforms for harassment, marking a significant moment in the fight for online safety in the entertainment industry.
