IAS officer Smita Sabharwal records statement, questions ‘selective targeting’ in Kancha Gachibowli land row

IAS officer Smita Sabharwal, Telangana Tourism department secretary
| Photo Credit: RAMAKRISHNA G

Telangana Tourism Secretary Smita Sabharwalon Saturday, (April 19) recorded her official statement with the Gachibowli police in connection with the ongoing probe into the 400-acre Kancha Gachibowli land controversy.

The senior IAS officer was summoned following a notice issued by the Gachibowli police last week, seeking a suitable date and time to record her version. The inquiry pertains to an AI-generated Ghibli-style image linked to the disputed land issue, which was shared on her X account.

The official took to her X account and questioned the rationale behind the action, calling for consistency in enforcement. “The post was reshared by 2,000 individuals on this platform. I sought clarification on whether same action is initiated for all! If not, this raises concern about selective targeting, that in turn compromises the principles of natural justice and equality before the Law,” she wrote.

Her remarks have drawn a mixed response online, with some questioning her decision to openly criticise the government’s actions and circulating ‘fake news’ on public platforms.

This comes amid the State government’s individuals circulating AI-generated and morphed content related to the Kancha gachibowli land rowwhich authorities say may have contributed to unrest and misinformation.