It was a widespread operation with clear political motives, says a probe official
HYDERABAD – New details have emerged in the Telangana phone tapping case, with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) finding that more than 600 phones were tapped illegally before the 2023 assembly elections. Many of these phones belonged to political leaders, including members of the then-ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi party.
The SIT said that most tapping cases happened in the two months leading up to the elections. Those targeted included politicians from both the ruling and opposition parties, as well as journalists and film stars.
An SIT official said, “It was a widespread operation with clear political motives.” The team is preparing to re-question former Special Intelligence Bureau chief T Prabhakar Rao. He is expected to face four main accused linked to the case. The questioning will likely reveal the names of people whose phones were tapped.
The SIT is also investigating a WhatsApp group called ‘Poll 2023.’ Investigators believe the group was used to organise and coordinate illegal phone tapping. There are also reports that the surveillance was used to monitor financial transactions, not just political activities.
One investigator explained, “The tapping was not only for political gain but also to keep track of money flows.”
The SIT is continuing its probe as more information about the phone tapping operation comes to light.
