Hyderabad: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the phone tapping scandal in Telangana has unearthed a major breach involving surveillance of over 600 individuals in the months leading up to the 2023 Assembly elections. The case, which has already stirred political and public concern, took a significant turn with this latest disclosure.
According to SIT officials, phones of political leaders, celebrities, journalists, and businesspersons were illegally tapped as part of a widespread surveillance operation. Victims have begun recording statements at the Jubilee Hills Police Station. The accused in custody revealed that every day for nearly two hours, they received briefings from former Intelligence official Prabhakar Rao. SIT is also preparing to question him in connection with a WhatsApp group titled “Poll 2023,” suspected to have been used for coordination.
The investigation further revealed that phones of individuals close to the then TPCC chief Revanth Reddy—including Vinay Reddy and Gali Anil—were tapped. SIT is also examining the financial aspects linked to this illegal surveillance. Shockingly, even some BRS leaders were reportedly under surveillance during the same period, with evidence suggesting internal monitoring of dissenting voices.
Authorities are continuing to gather digital and testimonial evidence, with further action expected in the coming days. The case has raised serious concerns over the misuse of surveillance infrastructure for political motives.