Andhra Pradesh Police is on the lookout for director Ram Gopal Varma.

Hyderabad:

Andhra Pradesh Police is searching for film director Ram Gopal Varma after he has not appeared for investigation over his alleged objectionable posts against Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and others, a police officer said on Monday.

A case was registered against the director at Maddipadu police station in Prakasam district on November 11 for allegedly posting doctored photographs of CM Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan and their family members on social media in an “indecent” manner. Was.

Three teams of Andhra Pradesh Police – two in Hyderabad and one in Tamil Nadu – are on the lookout for Verma.

The police served two notices to the director and gave him time till November 24 and today called him for investigation, but he did not appear.

“A team went to Chennai. One team is at his house (in Hyderabad) and the other team is searching in Film Nagar, Hyderabad. His phone is switched off,” a police officer told PTI.

“He (Varma) himself posted on Twitter that he has reached or has reached Coimbatore. So, based on that, a police team has already crossed to Chennai,” the officer said.

He further said that Andhra Pradesh Police is coordinating with its Tamil Nadu counterpart to nab the director.

Earlier in the day, Varma's lawyer told reporters that the director had expressed his willingness to appear before Andhra Police “digitally” in connection with the case.

Without coming for investigation, how can Verma say that he will join the online investigation? asked Prakasam district superintendent of police AR Damodar.

He said that police teams are searching every place where Verma is suspected to be present.

Verma's lawyer said, “There is no need for physical presence. Now digital India has come. Similarly, digital policing has also come. Therefore, there is no need for (physical) presence. Give us the virtual mode (opportunity).” , We will cooperate virtually.” Investigation.” Verma will cooperate in the investigation through “digital mode” as “digital policing is now prevalent across India,” he said.

The lawyer claimed that the new Indian Civil Defense Code (BNSS) law has such provisions. It allows investigation in hybrid mode for “small cases” such as those in which a director has been booked.

He said, “…RGV (Ram Gopal Varma) did no wrong. This is neither treason nor international mafia. We will follow the rule of law.” He said Verma's reply was sent to the police through WhatsApp and speed post. Police have not responded yet”.

High drama unfolded at Verma's residence today after he failed to appear before Andhra Pradesh Police. According to local news channels, a team of state police was seen waiting at the director's house.

Prakasam district SP said, “He (Verma) did not come (for investigation). We are proceeding legally. He was absent for the second time also. For the first time, he asked for more time and we allowed him a week.” Gave.” Damodar told PTI today.

According to police sources, Verma had appealed for more time due to prior commitments of cinema shooting, after which he was allowed till November 24. He was called for investigation today.

A police officer said, “He (Verma) said he will come any time after November 24. As per his request, we gave him time and called on November 25. Now whatever reason he gives, there will be no legal sanctity.” ” ,

A case was registered against Verma under various sections based on a complaint received from Ramalingam (45) of Maddipadu.

Ramalingam filed the case claiming that Verma's alleged social media posts have allegedly weakened the reputation of the CM, Deputy CM and his family members in the society and also hurt their personality.

Police said the timeline of these alleged crimes will be revealed during the investigation.