K Chandrasekhar Rao Interrogated by SIT Over Alleged Phone Tapping During BRS Tenure

Former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao faced questioning from the SIT regarding alleged phone tapping during his administration. The inquiry lasted nearly five hours, with significant police presence at his residence.

Former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao was interrogated by the Telangana Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) at his residence regarding an alleged phone-tapping case from the previous BRS regime. The questioning lasted nearly five hours. Afterward, Rao, accompanied by his son K T Rama Rao and other party leaders, addressed supporters gathered outside his home.

Before the questioning, Rao travelled from his farmhouse in Yerravalli, approximately 70 km from Hyderabad, to his Nandi Nagar residence. The SIT had previously denied his request to be questioned at Yerravalli, directing him to appear at his residence on February 1. Elaborate security measures were in place near Rao's home, with heavy police deployment and barricades set up.

Political Reactions and Allegations

Rama Rao later described the case as frivolous, suggesting it was a distraction tactic. "I don't know what they asked KCR. Probably the same questions posed to us," he remarked. Meanwhile, BRS supporters held protests across Telangana against what they termed political harassment by the Congress government over their leader's summoning.

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka responded to the situation by stating that the Congress government would not engage in vindictive actions. He emphasised that providing democratic governance is their primary goal. The case involves allegations of illegal phone surveillance affecting politicians, businessmen, journalists, judiciary members, and other prominent figures during the previous BRS administration.

SIT Investigations and Legal Proceedings

The SIT has been conducting a detailed investigation into the phone-tapping allegations. Earlier, on January 30, they rejected Rao's request for questioning at Yerravalli and instructed him to appear at his residence on February 1. On January 29, Rao had requested that his examination be conducted at his farmhouse due to preoccupations with upcoming municipal election nominations.

Rao has been involved in legal discussions with investigators regarding the location and timing of his examination in this case. Previously, Rama Rao and other family members appeared before the SIT on various dates in January concerning the same matter. Former Telangana intelligence chief T Prabhakar Rao, a key accused in the case, has also been questioned by the SIT.

Arrests and Legal Developments

A suspended DSP from the Telangana Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) was among four police officials arrested since March 2024 for allegedly erasing intelligence data from electronic devices and involvement in phone-tapping during the previous BRS regime. They were later granted bail. The police have filed a chargesheet against certain accused individuals as part of their ongoing investigation.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar confirmed on X that the SIT had concluded questioning Gajwel MLA and former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao regarding the illegal phone-tapping case. This investigation continues as authorities work through legal processes to address these serious allegations.

With inputs from PTI