New drama unfolds as Ram Gopal Varma agrees to appear ‘digitally’ before police in Andhra CM case

Trust film director Ram Gopal Varma to indulge in things that make waves. In view of his alleged offensive posts against Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and others, the director has agreed to appear before the police only “digitally”. His lawyer made the strange request on November 25.

On November 11, a case was registered against Ram Gopal Varma at the Maddipadu police station in Prakasam district for allegedly publishing morphed photos of Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and their family members on social media.

Regarding the case, his lawyer stated: “There is no requirement for physical presence. Now Digital India has arrived. Similarly, digital policing has emerged. Therefore, (physical) presence is not required. Give us virtual mode (opportunity), we will cooperate in the investigation virtually.”

The lawyer added that the director intends to cooperate with the investigation but will only appear in “digital mode” as “digital policing is now common across India.”

The lawyer claimed that the new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Act contains such provisions. It allows polling in hybrid mode for “small things” like the one where the director was booked.

The lawyer added, “…RGV (Ram Gopal Varma) did not commit any mistake. This is neither a rebellion nor an international mafia. We will respect the rule of law.” He added that his client sent this message to the police via WhatsApp and speed mail. Apparently, police have “yet to respond to both messages.”

According to local news channels, a state police team was waiting at the director’s house.

In response, Prakasam district police superintendent AR Damodar told PTI, “He (Varma) did not appear (for inquiry). We act in accordance with the law. He was also absent for the second time. The first time he asked for more time and we gave him a week’s leave,”

According to police sources, Varma was given permission till November 24 after he appealed for more time due to his earlier cinema shoot. On Monday, he was summoned for questioning.