SIT Summons BRS Working President KTR for Questioning in Phone Tapping Investigation
In a significant development in the ongoing phone tapping investigation, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has served a notice to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao on Thursday. This action comes just three days after the questioning of former minister and senior BRS MLA T. Harish Rao, marking an escalation in the probe into alleged illegal surveillance activities.
Investigation Progress and Key Developments
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the nine-member SIT, led by Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, decided to call KTR for questioning based on the information and statements gathered during their ongoing inquiry. KTR will become the second member of BRS president K. Chandrasekhar Rao's family to be questioned regarding the alleged phone tapping that reportedly occurred during the BRS administration's tenure.
The police have so far named only six persons as accused in this case, including the then Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) chief T. Prabhakar Rao. Notably, no political leader has been formally listed as an accused in the charges filed thus far. Harish Rao was recently called for questioning under Section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C.), which empowers police officers to require attendance of witnesses.
Background and Timeline of the Case
The criminal case was registered at Panjagutta police station in December 2023, shortly after the Congress government led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy came to power. The complaint was filed by an additional superintendent of police (Admin) in the SIB, who accused officials of the previous administration of destroying electronic gadgets immediately following the BRS's electoral defeat.
According to the first chargesheet filed by investigators, during the BRS tenure, a Special Operation Team (SOT) led by Deputy Superintendent of Police D. Praneet Rao was allegedly created to conduct illegal surveillance on various individuals. The targets of this purported surveillance included:
- Opposition political leaders
- Prominent businesspersons
- Journalists and media professionals
- Other individuals of interest
The investigation has revealed that the alleged phone tapping operation was systematic and targeted multiple sectors of society, raising serious concerns about privacy violations and potential abuse of power.
Political Implications and Future Proceedings
This development marks a crucial phase in the investigation, as it brings the scrutiny closer to the top leadership of the BRS party. The questioning of KTR, who serves as the working president of the party and is the son of former chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, indicates that the SIT is pursuing leads that reach the highest levels of the previous administration.
The timing of these developments is particularly significant as they occur amidst ongoing political realignments in Telangana. The investigation's findings could have substantial implications for the state's political landscape and may influence public perception ahead of future electoral contests.
Legal experts suggest that the SIT's approach of questioning political figures under Section 160 of Cr.P.C. indicates they are currently gathering evidence and statements rather than making immediate arrests. This methodical approach suggests the investigation is comprehensive and may lead to further revelations as more information comes to light.
As the probe continues, all eyes remain on Hyderabad, where these significant political and legal developments are unfolding. The coming days are expected to bring more clarity about the extent of the alleged surveillance operation and the potential involvement of various individuals and officials.
