The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the high-profile phone-tapping case in Hyderabad has intensified its investigation, issuing fresh notices to two former legislators of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). The move comes days after the team questioned BRS MLC Naveen Rao.
Fresh Summons for Former Legislators
The SIT has asked former MLAs Jaipal Yadav and Chirumarthi Lingaiah to appear before it on Thursday. While both individuals had previously recorded their statements with investigators earlier in 2024, they have been summoned again following the formal constitution of the SIT last month, according to sources familiar with the matter.
In a related development, the son of Kukatpally BRS MLA Madhavaram Krishna Rao has also been called as a witness. Although he is currently overseas, the legal notice has been formally served. Furthermore, a few days after Naveen Rao's questioning, his father, Kondal Rao, was also asked to present himself before the police.
Basis of the Investigation
The notices have been issued based on suspicions that these individuals were in contact with the now-arrested accused during the tenure of the BRS government. Investigators believe they may possess knowledge about the alleged illegal surveillance operation targeting opposition leaders, businessmen, and even a judge.
The core of the case revolves around the alleged formation of a clandestine Special Operations Team (SOT) during the previous regime. This team is accused of orchestrating unauthorized surveillance on a wide range of individuals perceived as opponents or persons of interest.
Current Status of the Accused
Hyderabad police have already made significant arrests in this sprawling case. Four individuals are currently in custody: Deputy Superintendent of Police D Praneet Rao, Additional Superintendents of Police Bhujanga Rao and Tirupathanna, and former Hyderabad Deputy Commissioner of Police (Task Force) Radhakishan Rao.
However, two other key figures, including the alleged prime accused and former chief of the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB), Prabhakar Rao, have secured protection from arrest from the Supreme Court. Their legal shield adds a complex layer to the ongoing probe as investigators work to piece together the full extent of the surveillance network.
The SIT's latest actions signal a determined effort to widen the net and gather corroborative evidence from political figures who were active during the period when the illegal monitoring was allegedly operational.
