Phone-Tapping Case: SIT Examines KCR Over Intelligence Functioning

In a major development in the alleged phone-tapping case , former Telangana Chief Minister and BRS president K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) underwent nearly five hours of questioning by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) at his Nandi Nagar residence in Hyderabad. He travelled from his Erravalli farmhouse ahead of the session. Authorities imposed tight security , deploying heavy police forces and erecting barricades around the residence during the inquiry.

KCR had earlier stated he would cooperate but objected to the procedure of notice service , arguing that legal norms were not properly followed. In the days leading up to the session, his legal team and SIT officials discussed the venue and date of questioning. Investigators sought clarifications regarding administrative decisions , the functioning of the state intelligence wing , and oversight mechanisms during the previous BRS government.

During the examination, the SIT focused on whether surveillance activities had proper authorization, the chain of command involved, and how intelligence operations were supervised at the highest level. Investigators asked about KCR’s knowledge of interception practices, the intelligence briefings he received, and whether any written or verbal instructions were issued regarding the monitoring of politicians, journalists, businesspersons, or judges. They also examined his official dealings with former intelligence chief T. Prabhakar Rao , including administrative approvals, reporting structures, and operational responsibility.

Another key line of questioning involved data handling procedures , including whether intelligence material was deleted, transferred, or reviewed before the change of government. The SIT is also verifying whether legal interception protocols were followed and whether any surveillance inputs were used for political or electoral purposes . As part of cross-verification, KCR’s responses may be compared with statements already given by K. T. Rama Rao , T. Harish Rao , and Joginapally Santosh Kumar .

The case centres on allegations that phones were illegally monitored during the earlier administration and that certain intelligence data was erased from electronic devices. Several police officials were earlier arrested and later released on bail as the investigation progressed. The SIT is examining technical evidence , official records, and witness testimonies to determine responsibility and possible further legal steps.

The developments triggered statewide protests by the BRS, which alleges political vendetta by the ruling Congress government. Responding to the criticism, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mall Bhatti Vikramarka stated that the government remains committed to democratic values and transparent governance , asserting that the investigation is proceeding strictly within the framework of law. Officials are now expected to analyse the material gathered, including KCR’s statement, before deciding the next course of action in the high-profile probe.