Telangana : SIT Rejects KCR Request for Erravelli Examination in Phone Tapping Probe
Telangana: The Special Investigation Team of the Telangana Police has declined a request from former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao to be questioned at his Erravelli farmhouse in connection with the ongoing phone tapping investigation. The decision comes as the probe continues into allegations of unlawful surveillance during the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi government.
SIT Maintains Hyderabad as Examination Venue
Police officials confirmed that the SIT has directed Rao to appear for questioning at his Hyderabad residence on February 1 at 3 pm. Investigators said the decision aligns with procedural requirements under the Code of Criminal Procedure, which links examination notices to the individual’s officially recorded place of residence.
According to the police, shifting the examination to a village location was not feasible, particularly given the nature of the evidence involved in the case. The probe includes sensitive electronic data and physical documents that investigators said cannot be transported outside secure urban facilities.
Request Linked to Municipal Election Commitments
Rao, popularly known as KCR, had sought a rescheduling of both the date and venue of his questioning, citing heavy political engagements related to upcoming municipal elections in Telangana. In a formal letter to the Assistant Commissioner of Police of Jubilee Hills Division, he explained that his schedule was dominated by the process of issuing authorisations to party candidates.
He noted that the final date for filing nominations for elections to 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations was approaching, requiring his personal involvement. Based on these commitments, Rao asked the SIT to consider fixing an alternative date more convenient to investigators.
Argument Citing CrPC Provisions
In his communication, the former chief minister also referred to Section 160 of the CrPC, arguing that the provision allows examination at a person’s place of residence, particularly for men above the age of 65. He maintained that the law does not impose territorial limits on where such an examination must take place.
Rao further requested that all future notices related to the investigation be sent to his Erravelli address in Siddipet district, asserting that this location should be treated as his place of residence for the purpose of the inquiry.
Police Reject Interpretation of the Law
The Telangana Police rejected this interpretation, clarifying that Section 160 examinations are conducted based on officially recorded residential details. Officials also pointed out that the operational needs of the investigation require access to infrastructure that is not available in rural settings.
Sources familiar with the probe said the decision was taken to ensure procedural consistency and to safeguard the integrity of evidence, particularly digital records that require controlled environments for review and verification.
Background of the Phone Tapping Allegations
The investigation centres on allegations that phones of journalists, political figures, and retired police officers were illegally monitored during the BRS government’s tenure. Former Deputy Commissioner of Police P. Radhakrishna Rao has alleged that the surveillance was carried out to track political opponents of the then chief minister.
The claims have raised concerns about misuse of state machinery and violations of privacy, prompting the formation of a Special Investigation Team to examine the extent and legality of the alleged surveillance operations.
Previous Questioning of BRS Leaders
Several senior leaders associated with the previous administration have already been questioned by the SIT. Former minister Harish Rao, BRS working president K. T. Rama Rao, and former MP Santosh Rao were examined at the SIT office in Jubilee Hills as part of the same investigation.
Officials indicated that the inquiry is progressing methodically, with further questioning expected as investigators piece together evidence related to the alleged phone tapping network.
Ongoing Legal and Political Implications
The case continues to draw attention due to its potential legal and political ramifications. While investigators have stressed that the probe is being conducted strictly in accordance with the law, the involvement of senior political figures has ensured sustained public interest in its outcome.