This afternoon, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) released a list of phone numbers, alleging that a family member of a channel chairman was involved in conversations with drug users. The YSRCP clarified that the list was obtained from police sources. However, the practice of the Cyberabad police collecting phone details of individuals not linked to any FIRs or cases, and subsequently sharing this information with YSRCP leaders for public dissemination, has sparked controversy.
A critical question arises regarding how the Revanth Reddy government, currently investigating phone tapping incidents that occurred during the previous BRS administration, will justify its own phone tapping activities.
Concerns Over Telecom Laws
Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy has warned that action will be taken against BRS leaders implicated in phone tapping within the next two days. Additionally, questions have emerged regarding the police’s methodology for gathering phone information from individuals who are not involved in any cases, how this data is shared with political parties, and the process of publishing such information in public forums. The legality of monitoring the phones of individuals without any case involvement and leaking their call data is now under scrutiny. The Cyberabad police are expected to address these concerns.