BRS Leaders Launch Scathing Attack Over KTR's SIT Questioning in Hyderabad Phone Tapping Probe
The questioning of BRS working president KT Rama Rao by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in the ongoing phone tapping case has ignited a fierce political confrontation in Hyderabad. Senior BRS leaders have vehemently condemned the move, labeling it as a clear instance of political vendetta orchestrated by the state government.
Widespread Condemnation from BRS Leadership
Several prominent BRS figures expressed their strong disapproval of the notices issued to KTR and the nature of the SIT's interrogation. The list of leaders who voiced their criticism includes:
- Former ministers T Harish Rao, Talasani Srinivas Yadav, P Sabitha Indra Reddy, and Sunitha Laxma Reddy
- MP Vaddiraju Ravi Chandra
- Legislative council floor leader S Madhusudhana Chari
- MLCs Dasoju Sravan, Deshapathi Srinivas, and Vani Devi
- Senior leader RS Praveen Kumar
The party has accused the Congress regime of systematically misusing investigative agencies to target opposition leaders, creating what they describe as a politically motivated environment.
Protests and Police Intervention at Key Locations
BRS leaders, including women representatives, organized a dharna at Telangana Bhavan to demonstrate their solidarity with KTR. The protest later shifted to Jubilee Hills police station, where the SIT conducted its questioning of the BRS working president.
Police authorities took measures to control the situation by removing party workers who were raising slogans and protesting. Barricades were erected around the police station perimeter to maintain order and prevent escalation of the demonstration.
Harish Rao's Strong Warning to Police Officials
Addressing a press conference, former minister T Harish Rao made serious allegations against the government's approach to the investigation. He claimed that the administration was utilizing police officers nearing retirement to harass BRS leaders under the guise of the phone tapping probe.
"If BRS returns to power, the government will not spare any officer even after their retirement if they act unjustly, illegally and intentionally trouble us," Harish Rao warned emphatically. "The retired police officers will have to face the consequences and fight the cases by hiring lawyers with their own money."
He characterized the government's actions as disgraceful and accused it of engaging in systematic political vendetta against BRS leadership.
Questions Raised About Selective Action and Past Incidents
Harish Rao further questioned what he described as the government's selective approach to investigations. He pointed out numerous instances of what he called false propaganda against BRS leaders in the past, asking why no cases were filed during those occurrences.
The senior leader also challenged the government's response to situations where women's dignity was allegedly compromised and when content related to KTR circulated across social media platforms, television channels, and newspapers.
Legal Perspective on Phone Surveillance Powers
Senior leader RS Praveen Kumar provided a legal context to the controversy, noting that state governments possess legal authority to record conversations and place phones under surveillance for state and national security purposes. He referenced former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's parliamentary statement acknowledging such powers.
Praveen Kumar suggested that the investigation should focus on questioning the police officers who served during the period in question, rather than targeting political figures. This perspective adds a constitutional dimension to the ongoing political dispute surrounding the phone tapping case.
The developments have significantly intensified the political atmosphere in Hyderabad, with the phone tapping investigation becoming a focal point of contention between the ruling party and opposition forces in Telangana.
