The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged phone-tapping case has warned that action would be taken against attempts to link investigating officers to “unverified, false and imaginary narratives” that could interfere with the ongoing investigation.

In a press note issued on Tuesday, the SIT said a notice had been served on the editor of Namaste Telangana over a report published under the caption alleging harassment of journalists in the tapping case.

The SIT also sought an unconditional retraction and clarification from the newspaper, stating that the allegations of harassment levelled against the investigation team were “unverified and false”.

Rejecting the contents of the report as “false” and “malicious”, the SIT said the investigation into the alleged misuse of State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) resources, illegal telephone interception, destruction of evidence and related offences was being conducted strictly in accordance with due process of law.

According to the SIT, two journalists who were aware of certain facts and circumstances connected to the case had been examined during the course of the investigation and had cooperated voluntarily without any issues.

The agency alleged that the publication appeared to be a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, create a false narrative and interfere with a sensitive investigation initiated on the basis of a complaint lodged by a senior SIB officer.

The SIT further stated that publishing “one-sided, unverified and defamatory” content without verifying facts with the investigating agency or the police department amounted to a violation of journalistic ethics prescribed by the Press Council of India.

Officials also objected to the naming of investigating officers in the report, stating that attributing false motives and allegations of high-handedness to them was an attempt to demoralise officers discharging lawful duties.