SIT Questions KTR for 7 Hours in Phone Tapping Case, Denies Misuse Allegations

What happened:
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Friday questioned BRS working president K T Rama Rao (KTR) for nearly seven hours at the Jubilee Hills police station in Hyderabad in connection with the alleged phone tapping case. The probe relates to claims that key police wings were misused for political purposes during the previous BRS government.

What the probe focused on:
According to sources, the SIT questioned KTR on the alleged misuse of the Hyderabad police commissioner’s task force and the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) to monitor political opponents and influence electoral outcomes. Investigators also sought clarifications on reported targeted cash seizures during the Dubbak, Munugode and Huzurabad bypolls, as well as the 2023 Telangana Assembly elections.

The SIT further examined a complaint by a businessman who alleged that police officials were used to intimidate him into purchasing electoral bonds in favour of the BRS. Alleged surveillance of opposition leaders during the BRS regime also featured in the questioning.

KTR’s response:
Sources said KTR denied all allegations and maintained that no illegal phone tapping took place. He reiterated that any surveillance, if conducted, was in accordance with the Indian Telegraph Act and in the interest of state security.

Security and official statement:
Heavy security arrangements were in place at and around the police station, with traffic briefly restricted along KTR’s route. After the questioning, Hyderabad police commissioner and SIT in-charge V C Sajjanar said relevant aspects of the case had been examined and would be analysed alongside existing evidence. KTR was instructed not to contact or influence witnesses and informed that he could be summoned again if required.

Why it matters:
The case has significant political implications in Telangana, with allegations striking at the heart of claims that state machinery was misused for partisan advantage under the previous government.