Why has SIT summoned BRS leader Harish Rao?
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Synopsis
In a surprising move, the SIT investigating the Telangana phone tapping case has summoned BRS leader T. Harish Rao for questioning. This marks a pivotal moment in the investigation as several political figures are scrutinized amidst allegations of surveillance. The implications of these developments could resonate throughout the political landscape of Telangana.
Key Takeaways
- Harish Rao summoned by SIT
- First senior BRS leader questioned
- Allegations of surveillance during BRS rule
- Political backlash from opposition
- Potential implications for Telangana politics
Hyderabad, Jan 19 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) examining the phone tapping allegations in Telangana has called upon former minister and BRS leader T. Harish Rao to appear for questioning. The notice was served to the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) representative, instructing him to meet with the investigation officers at the Jubilee Hills Police Station on Tuesday, January 20, at 11 a.m.
This marks the first occasion where a senior BRS figure has been summoned by the SIT since the inquiry commenced in 2024.
The notification issued to Harish Rao comes after widespread speculation regarding whether K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), the BRS president and former chief minister, along with K. T. Rama Rao (KTR), the working president and former minister, would also face questioning concerning the phone tapping activities during the BRS administration.
The phone tapping scandal emerged in March 2024, initially leading to the arrest of Deputy Superintendent of Police D Praneeth Rao.
Subsequent investigations uncovered an extensive surveillance operation targeting a range of individuals, including political rivals, business leaders, journalists, and even members of the judiciary.
The police have implicated six individuals in the case, such as former SIB chief T. Prabhakar Rao, DSP Praneeth Rao, Additional SPs Thirupathanna and N. Bhujanga Rao, former DCP Radha Kishan Rao, and television channel owner Sravan Kumar.
Recently, the SIT interrogated T. Prabhakar Rao, the primary suspect in the case, following a Supreme Court directive for him to surrender. He was released after two weeks of questioning on December 26.
The newly formed nine-member SIT by the Telangana government on December 18 has been actively pursuing the case, including the questioning of Prabhakar Rao.
In response to the SIT’s notice to Harish Rao, KTR described the action as a retaliatory move by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
KTR accused Revanth Reddy of attempting to distract the public from the coal scam involving his brother-in-law, Srujan Reddy, by resorting to what he terms “attention diversion politics.”
He claimed this was a deliberate act to shift public focus away from the ongoing scandal. KTR further criticized the Congress-led government for engaging in extreme political vendetta.
He referenced the Supreme Court's earlier ruling, which indicated that the phone tapping allegations lacked merit and were politically motivated.
Even after the apex court dismissed the case, the issuance of additional notices to Harish Rao by the A. Revanth Reddy administration evidently highlights the lengths to which the government is willing to go, KTR asserted.
Point of View
This latest summons by the SIT underscores the ongoing tensions within Telangana's political landscape. The ramifications of the phone tapping investigation are likely to extend beyond individual leaders, potentially impacting party dynamics and public trust in governance.
NationPress
21/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is T. Harish Rao?
T. Harish Rao is a former minister and a prominent leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana.
What is the phone tapping case about?
The phone tapping case involves allegations of unauthorized surveillance targeting various individuals, including political opponents and journalists, during the BRS administration.
What actions has the SIT taken?
The SIT has summoned key political figures for questioning and has arrested several individuals implicated in the surveillance scandal.
What are the political implications of this investigation?
The investigation could significantly affect public perception of the BRS and the Congress government, potentially influencing future elections.
What did KTR say regarding the summons?
KTR accused Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of political vendetta aimed at diverting attention from a coal scam involving his family.
