Did Former BRS MP Santosh Rao Appear Before SIT in Phone-Tapping Case?
Synopsis
Former MP Santosh Rao's appearance before the SIT raises questions about the ongoing phone-tapping investigation. As top leaders face scrutiny, the political implications are significant. Will this probe unveil deeper corruption, or is it merely a political maneuver? Stay tuned as this story unfolds.
Key Takeaways
Santosh Rao appeared before the SIT for questioning.
The investigation focuses on phone tapping allegations.
Former SIB chief Prabhakar Rao is a main accused.
Political implications are significant for the BRS party.
Calls for transparency and accountability are rising.
Hyderabad, Jan 27 (NationPress) Joginipally Santosh Rao, the former MP of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), made his appearance before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Tuesday as they investigate the phone tapping allegations.
Arriving at the office of the Assistant Commissioner of Police at 3 p.m., Santosh Rao was summoned by the Investigation Officer.
The former Rajya Sabha member and nephew of BRS President and ex-Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) visited KCR’s residence in Nandi Nagar, Hyderabad, prior to heading to the ACP's office.
During his questioning, the SIT is expected to inquire about the appointment of T. Prabhakar Rao as the head of the Special Intelligence Bureau (CIB) during the BRS administration, along with other pertinent issues.
A notice issued under Section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code indicated that the Investigating Officer deemed Santosh Rao's knowledge of the case essential for the investigation.
This case encompasses allegations of phone tapping directed at various political opponents, business figures, journalists, and judges during the previous BRS administration.
Santosh Rao is the third prominent leader and close relative of KCR summoned by the SIT within a week.
On January 23, KCR’s son and BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao underwent more than seven hours of questioning by the SIT.
Earlier, KCR’s nephew and former minister T. Harish Rao was interrogated by the SIT on January 20.
Both Rama Rao and Harish Rao criticized the SIT’s summons to Santosh Rao, with Rama Rao dismissing the phone-tapping investigation as a failed TV drama.
Rama Rao accused the opposition of summoning irrelevant leaders for political vengeance while shielding the officials responsible for the alleged misconduct.
He also asserted that the notices issued to BRS leaders aimed to distract public attention from corruption allegations.
Previously, the SIT questioned BRS MLC K. Naveen Rao and former MLAs Jaipal Yadav and C. Lingaiah concerning the same case.
Additionally, they examined Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay, BJP MPs Eatala Rajender and M. Raghunandan Rao, TPCC President B. Mahesh Kumar Goud, and Kondal Reddy, brother of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, as witnesses and victims of the alleged phone tapping.
The phone tapping scandal came to light in March 2024, leading to the registration of an FIR under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act, and the Information Technology Act at the Panjagutta Police Station in Hyderabad.
A special team was reportedly formed within the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) during the BRS regime to conduct the phone tapping of numerous individuals.
Prabhakar Rao, the former SIB chief, stands as the primary accused in the matter, alongside 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 as other accused.
Point of View
The ongoing investigations into phone tapping allegations are critical for maintaining transparency and accountability among political leaders. The situation calls for a thorough examination of the facts and circumstances to ensure justice and uphold the integrity of democratic processes in India.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the phone tapping case about?
The case involves allegations of unauthorized phone tapping of political opponents, journalists, and judges during the previous BRS government.
Why was Santosh Rao summoned by the SIT?
He was summoned because investigators believe he has pertinent information regarding the appointment of T. Prabhakar Rao as the head of the Special Intelligence Bureau.
What are the implications of this investigation?
The investigation could reveal deeper issues within the BRS government and may impact public perception and political stability in Telangana.
What actions have other BRS leaders taken in response?
Other BRS leaders, including K.T. Rama Rao, have criticized the investigation, claiming it is politically motivated.
