The Telangana High Court has quashed the FIR filed against former minister and BRS MLA Harish Rao in connection with the phone tapping case. The case, registered by Panjagutta police, was based on a complaint by real estate businessman Chakradhar Goud, who alleged that his phone had been illegally tapped. The FIR had also named Radhakishan Rao as an accused.
Court Cites Lack of Evidence
The case was filed in December 2024, with the police alleging that Harish Rao’s associates had engaged in illegal phone tapping and extortion. However, after hearing arguments from both sides, the High Court ruled that the FIR lacked substantial evidence and was registered without a proper inquiry. The court observed that the police had failed to provide concrete proof to support the allegations, leading to the case’s dismissal.
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Allegations and Arrests
The complaint by Chakradhar Goud claimed that his phone was tapped and that he received threatening calls and messages. Based on the complaint, Panjagutta police arrested three individuals, including Vamshi Krishna, a former aide to Harish Rao. Police alleged that these individuals had used a fraudulently obtained SIM card to intimidate and extort money from Goud.
However, after securing bail, Vamshi Krishna accused the police of coercion, claiming that they pressured him to falsely implicate Harish Rao. He alleged that law enforcement officials threatened him with dire consequences if he failed to name the former minister.
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Political Implications
Following the High Court’s ruling, BRS leaders have welcomed the decision, terming it a setback for the Congress government. They alleged that the case was a politically motivated attempt to target opposition leaders.
With the case officially quashed, the ruling is seen as a significant legal victory for Harish Rao and a challenge to the alleged misuse of investigative agencies in political matters.