Should Those Involved in Phone-Tapping Be Punished?
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Synopsis
Telangana's Congress chief, B. Mahesh Kumar Goud, calls for strict punishment for individuals involved in phone tapping during the previous BRS government. His statements come during ongoing investigations by the SIT. As the political landscape shifts, the implications of these allegations could reshape accountability in governance. Can justice be served?
Key Takeaways
- Accountability is essential for maintaining public trust in governance.
- The ongoing investigation by SIT aims to uncover the truth behind the allegations.
- Political leaders must be vigilant against illegal surveillance practices.
- The reports indicate a significant breach of privacy affecting numerous Congress leaders.
- Legal consequences for those found guilty could set a precedent for future governance.
Hyderabad, June 17 (NationPress) B. Mahesh Kumar Goud, the President of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC), asserted on Tuesday that individuals implicated in the phone-tapping scandal during the tenure of the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government must face legal consequences.
He emphasized that leaders from the former ruling party who sanctioned the surveillance of their political adversaries, along with the IAS and IPS officers who complied with these directives, should be held accountable.
Goud addressed the media after providing his testimony as a witness to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the state police, which is currently examining the allegations surrounding the phone tapping.
He insisted that those found guilty should receive severe punishment to deter any future government from engaging in such unlawful and immoral practices.
Goud alleged that the Congress party faced electoral defeats in Telangana due to the unlawful phone tapping activities conducted by the BRS administration.
He claimed that the BRS government intercepted the phones of numerous Congress leaders, including his own and that of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
Expressing suspicion about potential surveillance, Goud reported that he had previously filed a complaint with the police. “Today, the truth has surfaced. Phones of senior Congress leaders have been tapped since 2022. We discovered that 650 Congress leaders' names appear on the SIT’s list of those whose phones were illegally monitored,” he stated.
He accused the former government of disregarding the Telegraph Act to engage in illicit activities. Goud criticized BRS leaders KCR and KTR, suggesting they should feel ashamed for participating in such actions.
The TPCC President noted that the ongoing SIT investigations are unveiling the extent of the BRS's abuse of power regarding phone tapping. He highlighted the unusual appointment of T. Prabhakar Rao as intelligence chief post-retirement, claiming such practices are unprecedented in the nation.
As a member of the Telangana Legislative Council, Goud's statements are expected to hold significant weight in the investigation.
Upon the request of the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of Jubilee Hills, the TPCC President recently appeared before him.
Goud, who served as the working president of the TPCC in November 2023, was reportedly among the victims of illegal phone tapping.
Meanwhile, T. Prabhakar Rao, the former chief of the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) and the primary suspect in the case, reappeared before the SIT on Tuesday.
Rao allegedly established a Special Operations Team under a suspended DSP within the SIB to tap the phones of opposition leaders and other individuals, benefiting the then-ruling political party and its leaders.
On this Tuesday, Rao made his fourth appearance before the SIT since returning from the United States on June 8.
Reports indicate that he has confessed to the formation of a special team within the SIB tasked with tapping the phones of specific individuals.
Allegations suggest that the phones of political leaders, businessmen, celebrities, journalists, civil society members, and even judges were monitored by this team.
The retired IPS officer was interrogated based on the testimonies of former deputy superintendent of police D. Praneeth Rao, retired deputy commissioner of police P. Radha Kishan Rao, and additional superintendents of police N. Bhujanga Rao and M. Thirupathanna, all of whom were arrested in the case last year and have recently secured bail.
These officials previously informed the SIT that they acted on the orders of Prabhakar Rao, who was leading the SIB.
Point of View
It is paramount to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in governance. The revelations surrounding the BRS administration's actions call for a thorough investigation to ensure that such abuses of power are addressed, reinforcing the public's trust in democratic processes.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main allegations against the BRS government?
The allegations center around the illegal phone-tapping of political opponents, particularly Congress leaders, during the BRS government's tenure.
Who is leading the investigation into the phone-tapping scandal?
The investigation is being led by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the state police.
What did B. Mahesh Kumar Goud demand from the authorities?
He demanded that individuals involved in the phone-tapping should be punished to deter future unlawful activities by any government.
How many Congress leaders were reportedly affected by phone tapping?
Reports indicate that the phones of at least 650 Congress leaders were illegally tapped.
What is the significance of Goud's statements in this case?
As a member of the Telangana Legislative Council, Goud's statements are crucial in the ongoing investigation and may influence public perception and accountability.
