The phone-tapping case in Telangana politics has entered a crucial phase, with evidence gathered by investigative agencies and statements from arrested police officials tightening the focus on key figures from the previous government. The reported emergence of former Chief Minister and BRS chief K. Chandrashekar Rao’s name in the probe, along with inquiries into his possible role, has triggered widespread political debate and speculation across the state.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has already questioned senior leaders including Harish Rao, K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) and Santosh Rao, fuelling talk that KCR could be next in line for questioning. According to sources, arrested former police officials told investigators they acted “under higher-level instructions,” prompting authorities to examine whether these directions originated from the Chief Minister’s Office or from KCR’s close associates. This has caused unease within BRS circles while drawing intense attention from political observers.
The case stems from allegations that phones of political leaders, businesspersons and celebrities were illegally tapped during the previous regime. Senior police officers Praneeth Rao, Duggala Prashanth Rao and Tirupathanna have already been arrested, with revelations from their interrogation reportedly strengthening the investigation. Officials point out that intelligence agencies generally report directly to the Chief Minister, making it unlikely that large-scale surveillance could have occurred without the knowledge of the top leadership.
While the Revanth Reddy government maintains that the probe will be pursued to its logical conclusion, the BRS has dismissed the case as politically motivated, alleging that KCR’s name is being dragged in to divert public attention ahead of municipal elections. The growing “Next KCR” narrative on social media reflects this political churn. Though KCR has not yet received any official notice, investigators may initially seek his appearance for questioning. Given that phone-tapping constitutes a serious breach of privacy under central laws, any formal move against him could have far-reaching political consequences at both the state and national levels.