Hyderabad: A single emoji reply on X (formerly Twitter) triggered a major controversy involving senior IPS officer CV Anand and fans of actor and MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna, leading to intense online debate over the last two months. The issue resurfaced strongly this week after a tweet accusing the officer of “mocking a legendary actor and public representative” went viral, demanding a public apology and action from the Telangana Government.
In response to the online storm, CV Anand issued an official clarification today, stating that the controversial post was not made by him, but by his social media handler who had access to his accounts.
“I Had No Knowledge of the Emoji Post,” Says CV Anand
Addressing the situation, Anand wrote on X:
“Just for one emoji, fans of Balaiah garu and his critics have been fighting and targeting me. Due to lack of time, I used to have a handler for posting updates on events, cases and city issues. After the press meet on September 29, he posted an emoji reply on a post related to Balaiah garu which was totally unnecessary. I had no knowledge of it until now.”
He added that after discovering the controversy, he immediately removed the post and personally reached out to Nandamuri Balakrishna.
“Upon coming to know about it, I deleted the post, found out the details and messaged Balaiah garu. I apologised if it hurt him in any way.”
Respect for Telugu Film Icons
Anand reiterated his long-standing respect for the Telugu film fraternity:
“I have grown up watching and enjoying movies of Balaiah garu, Chiranjeevi garu, Venkatesh garu and Nagarjuna garu and have great respect and friendship with all of them.”
Social Media Handler Removed
The IPS officer also revealed that due to two or three incorrect posts earlier, he had already removed the handler a month ago, which explains his reduced presence on social media platforms.
“That’s why you see fewer posts and fewer replies from me now, as time does not permit.”
Appeal to Stop Online Attacks
Concluding his statement, Anand urged all sides to end the controversy:
“I request everyone to end this here and now. Thank you.”
