- Harish Rao questions SIT chief’s remark on phone tapping case
- Hyderabad phone tapping case draws political and legal debate
Hyderabad: Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLA and former minister T Harish Rao on Monday, February 2, questioned Hyderabad Commissioner of Police VC Sajjanar over his remarks on the phone tapping case, which is currently under investigation. The issue arose after Sajjanar used the term “illegal” while referring to the case. Harish Rao raised objections, saying such a description was made before the investigation reached its conclusion.
In a post on X, the Siddipet MLA asked how phone tapping could be termed illegal when the matter was still under investigation. He expressed concern over the choice of words used by the Special Investigation Team chief. “Such a statement is not only legally unsustainable but also deeply disturbing coming from SIT chief.” Rao remarked. He referred to Article 21 of the Constitution and said that in a constitutional democracy, no allegation can be treated as an offence until a court of law records a finding.
SIT chief’s words questioned amid Hyderabad investigation
Harish Rao further said that by using the expression “illegal phone tapping” in an official message, the SIT chief had displayed a preconceived notion about the outcome of the investigation. He stated that such conduct was unbecoming of the office held by the SIT chief. He also said it went against the standards of neutrality and restraint mandated under the All India Services Conduct Rules, 1968, which require absolute impartiality and integrity from senior officers.
Meanwhile, Rao stressed that the Supreme Court has repeatedly held that investigations must not only be fair but must also appear to be fair. He said public confidence in the criminal justice system remained paramount. His reaction followed a social media post by Sajjanar, who is heading the Special Investigation Team probing the phone tapping case.
In his post on X, Sajjanar said that the “SIT concluded the questioning of Gajwel MLA and former chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao in the illegal phone taping case.” The statement triggered sharp reactions from BRS leaders, including Harish Rao.
Earlier, Bharat Rashtra Samithi President and former chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao appeared before the SIT on Sunday, February 1, in Hyderabad. The inquiry began at 3:00 pm after SIT officials arrived at his residence in Nandinagar, Banjara Hills. Arrangements were made in a specific room for the questioning.
KCR was allowed to have his nephew, former MP Joginpally Santosh Rao, accompany him during the examination. His son and Working President KT Rama Rao was also present at the house as a family member. Other senior leaders, including T Harish Rao and RS Praveen Kumar, along with legal advisers, were present during the proceedings, while several party leaders gathered at Telangana Bhavan.
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