Did BRS leader Harish Rao testify before SIT in the phone-tapping case?
Synopsis
In a significant development, BRS leader T. Harish Rao faced questioning by the Special Investigation Team regarding a phone-tapping scandal that implicates high-profile individuals in the BRS administration. The case raises serious questions about privacy and governance in Telangana.
Key Takeaways
Harish Rao summoned by SIT in phone-tapping case.
Heavy security was present during questioning.
Lawyer was denied access during the process.
The case involves serious allegations against the BRS government.
Supreme Court dismissed the state government's petition regarding Rao.
Hyderabad, January 20 (NationPress) BRS leader and former Minister T. Harish Rao appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the phone-tapping case on Tuesday. Under heavy security, he arrived at Jubilee Hills Police Station at 11 a.m. for questioning by SIT officials. Numerous leaders and supporters of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) gathered outside the station to show their support for Harish Rao.
His lawyer was denied entry during the questioning session.
A notice was issued to him on Monday night under section 160 of the Cr.P.C., indicating that the investigation had revealed his knowledge of certain facts related to the case.
This marks the first instance of a senior BRS leader being summoned by the SIT regarding the alleged surveillance of political opponents, businessmen, journalists, and even judges during the BRS administration.
Harish Rao traveled to the police station from the BRS headquarters, Telangana Bhavan, where he had a meeting with BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao, other party officials, and legal advisors.
The BRS MLA informed the media that he could have requested more time to appear before the SIT, but he chose to proceed early as he had nothing to conceal.
The phone tapping issue came to light in March 2024. An FIR was filed at Panjagutta Police Station in Hyderabad under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act, and the Information Technology Act.
During the BRS rule, a special team was allegedly formed in the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) to wiretap several individuals.
The main accused is former SIB chief T. Prabhakar Rao. Other accused include Deputy Superintendent of Police D. Praneeth Rao, Additional SPs Thirupathanna and N. Bhujanga Rao, former DCP Radha Kishan Rao, and a television channel owner Sravan Kumar.
In a related phone tapping case against Harish Rao, the Supreme Court dismissed the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the state government on January 5.
The apex court declined to interfere with the prior decisions of the Telangana High Court, which had annulled the FIR lodged at the Panjagutta police station, stating that there was insufficient evidence to establish Harish Rao’s involvement in the alleged tapping of phones.
The case was initiated from a complaint made in 2024 by Chakradhar Goud, a real estate businessman from Siddipet, who claimed that his phone was tapped during the previous BRS government at the behest of Harish Rao and former DCP Radha Kishan Rao.
Point of View
The inquiry into the phone-tapping case involving Harish Rao highlights pressing issues of governance, accountability, and the rule of law. The implications of such actions extend beyond individual privacy, affecting public trust in political institutions. It's crucial for authorities to address these allegations transparently to uphold democratic values.
NationPress
7 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the phone-tapping case involving Harish Rao?
The phone-tapping case involves allegations that the BRS government unlawfully tapped the phones of political opponents, businessmen, journalists, and judges.
Why was Harish Rao summoned by the SIT?
Harish Rao was summoned because investigations indicated he had knowledge of certain facts related to the phone-tapping allegations.
What are the legal implications of the phone tapping case?
The case involves potential violations of the Indian Penal Code, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, and the Information Technology Act.
Who are the other accused in the case?
Other accused include former SIB chief T. Prabhakar Rao, Deputy Superintendent D. Praneeth Rao, and several others.
What did the Supreme Court decide regarding Harish Rao's involvement?
The Supreme Court dismissed a petition from the state government, upholding the Telangana High Court's ruling that there was insufficient evidence against Harish Rao.
