Harish Rao, KTR Criticize SIT Chief Over Prejudgment in Phone Tapping Case

Telangana leaders have sharply criticized SIT Chief V.C. Sajja Nar for his comments on the ongoing phone tapping investigation , saying his statements go against constitutional principles. Siddipet MLA and BRS leader Harish Rao described the SIT chief’s remarks as “constitutionally inappropriate” , questioning how a law enforcement official could declare any action illegal before a court ruling .

Harish Rao emphasized that in a democracy , no allegation can be treated as a crime until it is proven in court . Citing Article 21 of the Indian Constitution , he said every individual has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty . He clarified that the police’s role is investigation , not judgment, and warned that labeling an action as illegal during an ongoing investigation exceeds legal authority .

He also pointed out that whether phone tapping is lawful should be determined only under the Indian Telegraph Act , the Information Technology Act , and the Supreme Court’s guidelines in the PUCL v. Union of India case. Rao added that senior officials must remain neutral and avoid political influence in their work.

Rao warned that preemptive statements in politically sensitive cases, particularly involving former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao , could erode public trust in democratic institutions and the judiciary . He stressed that investigative officials should not use official announcements to influence public opinion or political narratives , as doing so undermines the rule of law .

BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao also criticized SIT Chief Sajja Nar , saying his remarks make it appear he is acting as judge and jury . KTR highlighted that the investigation concerns only alleged wrongdoing , which must be proven in a court of law . Making strong public statements before judicial verification, he said, is inappropriate. KTR urged investigative agencies to operate within their mandate and expressed hope that the judiciary would take note of the matter.

The SIT investigated allegations of illegal phone tapping involving former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao . Authorities confirmed that the inquiry has been completed , and further action is pending.