Hyderabad: In a significant development, former chief minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president K Chandrasekhar Rao, popularly known as KCR, is set to face questioning by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Sunday. The interrogation will take place at his Nandi Nagar residence in Hyderabad, concerning an alleged phone tapping case that purportedly occurred during the BRS government's tenure.
Legal Standoff and Scheduled Interrogation
KCR informed investigators on Saturday of his readiness to cooperate, but not without raising objections. He strongly protested against SIT officials pasting a notice on his compound wall the previous night, describing it as disrespectful to constitutional norms and Supreme Court judgments. This marks the first instance where KCR will directly engage with investigators over the controversial phone tapping allegations.
Background of the Case
The First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the Panjgutta police station in 2024, several months after the BRS was voted out of power. The current administration, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of the Congress party, took over, leading to renewed scrutiny of past activities. The case has ignited political tensions, with implications for Telangana's governance and legal frameworks.
KCR's Response and Legal Arguments
In a detailed six-page letter, KCR expressed his willingness to participate in the questioning, albeit under protest. He cited various judgments from the Supreme Court and High Courts to contest the SIT's methodology. "Notwithstanding the above legal position, I, being a former chief minister of Telangana, present leader of the opposition in the assembly, and also as a responsible citizen of this country, would be available at the Nandi Nagar residence for my examination at 3pm on Feb 1, 2026," KCR stated in his signed correspondence.
Investigation Details and Security Arrangements
Following KCR's communication, senior police officials, including Hyderabad police commissioner VC Sajjanar, convened to strategize the scheduled interrogation. They focused on finalizing security protocols at the former chief minister's residence to ensure a smooth and lawful process. Initially, the SIT had planned to question KCR on Friday, but he requested a postponement and proposed an alternative location—his farmhouse in Erravalli, Siddipet district.
SIT's Insistence and Case Accusations
The SIT accepted the deferment but insisted on conducting the questioning at KCR's Hyderabad home, as outlined in a notice dated January 29. The FIR names several key individuals as accused, including former Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) chief T Prabhakar Rao, deputy superintendent of police D Praneeth Rao, additional SPs N Bhujanga Rao and M Thirupathanna, former DCP (Task Force) Radha Kishan Rao, and TV channel executive Shravan Kumar Rao.
Allegations of Illegal Surveillance
Police allegations suggest that Prabhakar Rao established a Special Operation Team (SOT) under DSP D Praneet Rao to conduct unauthorized surveillance on opposition leaders, business figures, and other individuals. This surveillance was allegedly aimed at aiding the BRS in maintaining political power. Some of the accused have been arrested and later released on bail, while others have obtained interim protection from arrest, highlighting the ongoing legal complexities.
Political and Legal Implications
This case underscores broader issues of governance, accountability, and the rule of law in Telangana. As KCR prepares to face investigators, the outcome could influence public perception and political dynamics in the state. The involvement of high-profile figures and the detailed legal arguments presented by KCR add layers of intrigue to this unfolding story.
