Mahesh can be externed from TS

The city police on Monday externed Tollywood actor and film critic Kathi Mahesh from Hyderabad for six months.

The DGP said that if Mahesh returned to the city within this period, a fresh case would be registered against him and legal proceedings initiated. To a question about the cases and legal proceedings, the DGP said that Mahesh would be allowed to attend court in the city whenever his presence was required.

Mr Mahendar Reddy said that the Telangana police, if need be, would issue orders to extern him from the entire state.

The police has issued a showcause notice to the management of a Telugu TV channel responsible for telecasting “malicious content hurting religious sentiments”. Police directed them to explain why they should not be prosecuted for the offences under the relevant sections of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act.

“Media channels cannot be permitted to act as platforms for nurturing and promoting divisive tendencies among various groups based on caste, community and religion leading to law and order problems, which is a violation of law,” DGP M. Mahendar Reddy said.

He said that certain elements, with ulterior motives, had been trying to hurt the sentiments of the people of a particular religion in the last two weeks, resulting in disharmony. The official said that keeping developments in view, it is decided to take stern action against any individual or groups trying to disturb peace in the city and the state.