How is Telangana Congress Chief Involved in Phone Tapping Case?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The phone tapping scandal has taken a new turn as Telangana Congress Chief B. Mahesh Kumar Goud testifies before the SIT. His insights may uncover the depth of the illegal surveillance under the previous BRS regime, potentially implicating numerous high-profile individuals in a significant breach of privacy. Stay tuned for the unfolding drama in this high-stakes investigation.
Key Takeaways
- B. Mahesh Kumar Goud testifies as a witness in the phone tapping investigation.
- The phone tapping scandal involves around 600 individuals targeted during the BRS regime.
- Former SIB chief T. Prabhakar Rao is the main suspect in the case.
- The investigation highlights serious concerns about political surveillance and privacy violations.
- Continued public trust in democratic institutions hinges on the outcome of this case.
Hyderabad, June 17 (NationPress) The President of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC), B. Mahesh Kumar Goud, appeared as a witness today before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the state police, which is investigating the unlawful phone tapping incidents that occurred during the former BRS administration.
Goud, a victim of the alleged phone tapping, is set to provide his testimony to the SIT officials at the Jubilee Hills Police Station.
His insights, being a member of the Telangana Legislative Council, may play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation.
At the request of the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) from Jubilee Hills, Goud attended the session.
Previously serving as the working president of the TPCC in November 2023, he was reportedly targeted during the state Assembly elections while the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) held power.
The SIT has compiled a list of approximately 600 individuals whose phones were reportedly tapped during the BRS regime.
In related news, former Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) chief, T. Prabhakar Rao, the main suspect in the case, also appeared before the SIT on Tuesday.
Rao is alleged to have created a Special Operations Team under a suspended DSP within the SIB to facilitate the illegal phone tapping of opposition leaders and other notable individuals to favor the then-ruling party.
This marks Rao’s fourth appearance before the SIT since his return from the United States on June 8.
He has reportedly acknowledged the existence of a special team within the SIB tasked with tapping the phones of specific individuals.
The targets included political leaders, businessmen, celebrities, journalists, civil society members, and even judges.
The retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer faced questioning based on testimonies from 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 connection with the case last year and have since been released on bail.
The arrested officials previously informed the SIT that they acted under the directives of Prabhakar Rao, who led the SIB.
After the BRS's defeat in the 2023 elections, Prabhakar Rao resigned, and shortly after, numerous hard disks from the SIB office reportedly vanished. Praneeth Rao is said to have destroyed these hard disks and disposed of them into the Musi River.
The allegations surfaced in March of the previous year following Praneeth Rao's arrest, triggered by a complaint from his superior, D. Ramesh, Additional SP with the SIB.
Prabhakar Rao had left for the US just before the allegations were formally lodged against him.
The Supreme Court on May 29 ordered authorities to issue an emergency travel document for Prabhakar Rao’s return.
In compliance with a commitment made to the Supreme Court, he returned to India on June 8 and presented himself to the SIT the following day.
Point of View
The allegations surrounding the phone tapping case highlight the critical importance of safeguarding democratic processes and personal privacy. The involvement of high-ranking officials raises questions about accountability within government agencies. As this investigation continues, it is crucial that all findings are thoroughly examined to restore public trust and ensure that such breaches do not recur.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the phone tapping case about?
The phone tapping case involves allegations of illegal surveillance of political leaders and other individuals during the previous BRS administration in Telangana.
Who is B. Mahesh Kumar Goud?
B. Mahesh Kumar Goud is the President of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee and a member of the Telangana Legislative Council.
What role does the SIT play in this investigation?
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is tasked with probing the allegations of illegal phone tapping and gathering evidence against the accused officials.
How many individuals were reportedly targeted in the phone tapping?
The SIT has identified approximately 600 individuals whose phones were allegedly tapped during the BRS government.
What are the potential consequences of these allegations?
If proven true, the allegations could lead to significant legal repercussions for the accused and raise serious concerns about privacy violations and political ethics.
