In a major development in the phone tapping case that has rocked the Telugu states, the police have issued notices to BRS leader and former MLA Chirmarti Lingaiah. The notices were served after it was revealed that Lingayya had phone contacts with the accused, Tirupatanna. Authorities have directed Lingayya to appear for questioning at the Jubilee Hills ACP office on Monday.
Sources indicate that Lingaiah has informed the police of his inability to attend the inquiry due to health reasons. Reports suggest that further notices may be issued if necessary, and there is speculation over whether Lingaiah is being called as a witness or as a suspect in the case.
This marks a significant development in Telangana politics, as this is the first time a political leader has been summoned in connection with the phone tapping case. Lingaiah, who was formerly aligned with Congress leader Komatireddy and later joined BRS, has sparked interest regarding his role in the case. The question remains whether he is being summoned as a witness or a defendant.
Allegations of Phone Tapping Under BRS Government
It has been alleged that the phone tapping occurred during the tenure of the BRS government. Following the change in government, the equipment used for tapping was reportedly destroyed, leading to the filing of cases. Several police officers arrested in connection with the case remain in jail, while former Intelligence OSD Prabhakar Rao, who had traveled to the U.S. for medical treatment before the case was filed, has not returned to India. Despite extensive efforts by the police, he remains untraceable.
While Lingaiah’s name had not previously emerged in the investigation, several high-profile names, including former Chief Minister KCR and KTR, have been widely speculated in the media. Lingayya’s involvement has now become a subject of intense political interest.