YouTubers' child abuse content draws ire

Hyderabad: A cyber complaint has been filed after actor Sai Dharam Tej raised alarm about the inappropriate content involving child abuse on the social media. The controversy centred around a video in which YouTuber host Praneeth Hanumanthu and participants Burra Yuvaraj, Adi Pedireddy and Bhargav, also known as Dallas Nageshwar Rao, made ‘unacceptable’ remarks by sexualising a video of a child and her father.

Tej described them as "disgusting and scary," and called on Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to take immediate action via a tweet on X.

Responding to the actor’s appeal, Revanth Reddy tweeted, "We will not tolerate such behaviour. Strict action will be taken against those involved (sic)." Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka emphasised the importance of child protection, tweeting, "Protecting our children is of utmost priority. Necessary steps are being taken (sic)."

The Cyber Security Bureau registered an FIR and launched an investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.

DGP Ravi Gupta, wrote on X, "We are committed to protecting all citizens, especially children. Offenders misusing social media for humor will face justice, and our team @TelanganaCOPs is diligently identifying them. Telangana Govt @TelanganaCMO and Police will intensify efforts to raise awareness about #ChildSafety and responsible social media use (sic)."

The controversy sparked a broader conversation about the need for stricter online regulations to safeguard children from being victimised.

Actor Nara Rohit highlighted the importance of responsible online behaviour, noting that freedom of expression should never excuse harmful actions. Actor Manchu Manoj tweed, "We must ensure our online spaces are safe for everyone, especially children."

Many shared screenshots of vile comments against children and women made by the YouTuber on his Instagram broadcast channel.

Meanwhile, the host Praneeth Hanumanthu posted on X that he had removed the offensive portions of the video and issued an apology. " Unconditionally and unambiguously apologetic about the lapse in judgment. As a creator, my attempt is to always put a smile. Unfortunately, this time crossed the line between what is dark and what is distasteful (sic)."