Published Sep 10, 2026 | 8:47 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 10, 2026 | 8:47 AM
It has been alleged that T Harish Rao indulged in black magic and occultism to prevent rain. (Representational pic/iStock)
Synopsis: The complainant said persons holding high public offices, including the Chief Minister and a Government Whip, repeatedly accused Rao of performing tantric or occult rituals at temples to stop the rains and cause drought. Although police complaints were lodged, no action was taken, prompting the complainant to approach the NHRC with Rao’s authorisation. The NHRC has asked the DGP for an action-taken report within four weeks.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the Telangana state police chief to initiate action against those who had accused Siddipet MLA and former minister T Harish Rao of indulging in black magic and occult rituals.
The NHRC made the recommendation based on a complaint regarding the failure to register a first information report over the public allegations against the BRS leader.
Telangana High Court Advocate and social activist Karupothula Revanth lodged the complaint, with the authorisation of Rao, under Section 12(a) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, on 22 August, the complainant said in a statement.
The NHRC also directed the Director General of Police (DGP), Telangana, to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) in English within four weeks. The Commission issued the direction on Wednesday, 9 September.
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Adv Revanth complained that persons holding high public offices, including the Chief Minister and a Government Whip, have been repeatedly alleging since 31 July that Rao had performed tantric or occult rituals at temples to stop the rains and cause drought.
The complainant said no evidence supporting the accusation was made public.
It further stated that complaints were submitted to Osmania University and the Vanasthalipuram police on 4 August. A representation was also made to the DGP’s office on 17 August. However, no FIR was registered, and no reasons were communicated for the failure to register the case.
The complainant also referred to the Supreme Court judgment in Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh, (2014) 2 SCC 1, regarding the registration of FIRs in cognisable offences.
The complaint expressed concern that public statements by people in high constitutional and political office linking rainfall or drought to occult practices could promote superstition among the public. It also warned that such claims could encourage accusations of witchcraft in rural areas and potentially lead to attacks against women, widows, elderly persons and members of SC/ST communities.
“If an ordinary citizen makes such allegations, a case would be registered immediately. But when people in positions of power make such statements, no action is taken. That is the reason this complaint was filed,” Adv Revanth said.
Telangana has reported a 23 per cent rainfall deficit between 1 June and 9 September 2026. According to the India Meteorological Department forecast, the state is likely to receive thunderstorms and isolated, below-normal rainfall until 16 September.
