Hyderabad:The phone tapping scandal in Telangana has escalated into a major political controversy, with recent developments indicating it could significantly impact the state’s political landscape. Here’s a concise overview based on the latest information: The scandal involves allegations of widespread, unauthorized phone surveillance during the previous BharatRashtraSamithi (BRS) government, targeting over 1,000 individuals, including opposition leaders from Congress,BJP, TDP, Janasena, Journalists, businessmen, and even High Court judges. Reports suggest that on a single day, November 15, 2023, over 600 phones were tapped, coinciding with the Telangana Assembly elections.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the case, focusing on former Special Investigation Bureau (SIB) chief T.Prabhakar rao, who has been questioned multiple times and is accused of orchestrating the operation under pressure from former DGP Mahender Reddy. Recent twists include notices being prepared for Union Minister Bandi Sanjay, whose associate Boyinapalli Praveen Rao’s phone was also allegedly tapped, raising questions about political targeting. The SIT is considering approaching the Supreme Court to cancel interim relief granted to Prabhakar Rao, signaling intensified efforts.
Allegations of a cross-border nexus with the YSRCP-led Andhra Pradesh government have further complicated matters, with claims that TDP leaders were monitored via Hyderabad-based networks. Andhra Pradesh Congress chief YS Sharmila has accused former AP CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of colluding with BRS to tap her phone, adding a regional dimension.
Congress leaders, including TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud, have accused BRS chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao and his son K.T. Rama Rao of using illegal surveillance to gain political advantage, potentially affecting the 2023 election outcomes. The BJP has questioned the Congress government’s seriousness in the probe, claiming its own staff were under surveillance. Meanwhile, BRS leaders and supporters on X have dismissed the case as a fabricated distraction by Congress.
The scandal’s scale- potentially involving 4,200 tapped numbers- combined with high-profile interrogations and political accusations, suggests it could explode into a major crisis, threatening reputations and alliances across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. However, the investigation remains ongoing, and concrete evidence linking top BRS leaders is yet to be publicly confirmed.
