The Telangana government appears serious about the phone tapping case. Nearly 21 months after the case was registered, the Revanth Reddy government has constituted a Special Investigation Team. The move has sparked fresh public interest.
The SIT will be headed by VC Sajjanar, Hyderabad Police Commissioner. DGP Shivadhar Reddy issued orders forming the team with Sajjanar and nine other officers. Jubilee Hills ACP Venkatagiri is also part of the SIT.
So far, six people have been named as accused in the phone tapping case. There is growing curiosity over who could be added next. The case has remained in public focus due to its political and administrative implications.
Earlier, there was criticism that the investigation lacked pace and depth. The newly formed SIT will also probe alleged blackmail linked to phone tapping. Sources say senior officials held multiple discussions before finalising the team.
The SIT has been directed to file charge sheets at the earliest. On March 10, 2024, a case was registered at Punjagutta police station over phone tapping by the Special Intelligence Branch. Several senior officers were arrested during the probe.
Those arrested included retired DCP Radhakishan Rao, Additional DCPs Bhujanga Rao and Tirupatanna, and ACP Praveen Rao. Later, former SIB chief Prabhakar Rao was named as an accused and a charge sheet was filed within 90 days.
Prabhakar Rao and another accused had fled to the US but were brought back to India. He later claimed senior officials were involved. Due to lack of strong evidence, the case weakened and led to criticism against the government.
There are allegations of political involvement in the phone tapping case. However, destruction of evidence has made the probe difficult. The SIT is expected to conduct a deeper investigation to bring clarity and justice.
