The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged illegal phone-tapping scandal in Telangana is set to issue notices to former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) and former minister T Harish Rao as the investigation intensifies. The case, which surfaced after the Congress government assumed power in 2023, centers on accusations that the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) administration misused intelligence resources to conduct unauthorized surveillance on political leaders, judges, and other prominent figures. A fresh nine-member SIT, headed by Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar, was constituted last week to expedite the probe and prepare a charge sheet swiftly.

Before summoning the senior political leaders, the SIT plans to re-question P Rajashekar Reddy, who served as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to KCR during the BRS regime. Investigators have already recorded statements from several key former officials, including Somesh Kumar (former Chief Secretary from December 2019 to January 2023) and Naveen Chand (former State Intelligence Chief from September 2016 to November 2020). Their questioning focused on the chain of command, authorization processes, and operational details of the alleged surveillance.

The main accused, former Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) chief T. Prabhakar Rao—who worked under Naveen Chand and later succeeded him—reportedly named former DGP Mahender Reddy and senior officer Anil Kumar multiple times during his interrogation. The SIT has also recorded Mahender Reddy's statement as part of efforts to establish accountability. Sources indicate that the investigation has now clarified how decisions originated from higher levels and how intelligence assets were allegedly misused, with the focus shifting to identifying the specific targets of the phone tapping and the motives behind it.

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The controversy gained momentum following a complaint lodged by Special Intelligence Branch officers in 2023, shortly after the regime change. The allegations include claims that an SIT formed under the previous BRS government carried out the illegal surveillance and later destroyed hard disks to eliminate evidence. Key developments are expected after the ongoing Assembly session, with more notices likely to be issued to political figures in the coming days as the SIT works to uncover the full extent of the alleged misuse of power.

This high-profile case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for privacy, institutional integrity, and political accountability in Telangana. The renewed probe under the new SIT reflects the state government's determination to address long-pending allegations and ensure a thorough, transparent investigation into what could emerge as one of the state's most serious intelligence-related controversies.

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