Published Jan 29, 2026 | 3:33 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 29, 2026 | 9:09 PM
BRS chief K Chandrashekar Rao
Synopsis: The notice said investigators have concluded during the course of the probe that Chandrashekar Rao, now the Opposition leader and representing the Gajwel constituency, is “acquainted” with facts and circumstances relevant to the case,” making his examination necessary for further investigation. In response, KCR sought a deferment, citing preoccupation with ongoing municipal elections.
Telangana’s former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has been asked to appear as a witness before the Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the sensational phone-tapping case, at 3 pm on Friday, 30 January.
The Jubilee Hills Division of the Hyderabad police has issued a notice to Rao under Section 160 of the CrPC, which empowers an investigating officer to issue a summons in writing to a person considered as a witness.
It has been alleged that Opposition leaders and several others were snooped upon when the BRS was in power.
The notice, dated 29 January, was issued by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Jubilee Hills Division, in Crime No. 243 of 2024.
The notice said investigators have concluded during the course of the probe that Rao, now the Opposition leader, representing the Gajwel constituency, is “acquainted” with facts and circumstances relevant to the case,” making his examination necessary for further investigation.
Citing the proviso to Section 160 of the CrPC, the police had noted that since the MLA is above 65 years of age, he need not present himself at the police station compulsorily.
The notice offered him the option of appearing voluntarily at Jubilee Hills Police Station or any other location of his choice within Hyderabad city.
The police have also asked him to intimate his preferred venue in advance.
In response, KCR sought a deferment, citing preoccupation with ongoing municipal elections.
In his written reply on Tuesday, addressed to the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Jubilee Hills Division, KCR said he would be unable to appear on January 30 as it coincides with the last date for filing nominations to elections for 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations.
He said he was preoccupied with issuing authorisations to party candidates, as the polls are being held on a party basis.
Requesting the police to fix another convenient date, Rao asked that his examination be conducted at his residence in Erravalli village of Siddipet district.
He cited the proviso to Section 160 of the CrPC, which exempts men above the age of 65 from being required to appear at a police station and mandates that such persons be examined at their place of residence.
“Being a former Chief Minister of the State of Telangana and present Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, and also as a responsible citizen of this country, I would like to assure my full cooperation with the said investigation,” KCR.
The case, crime No. 243 of 2024, was registered at the Panjagutta Police Station on 10 March, 2024, following allegations relating to misuse of authority, destruction of evidence, criminal conspiracy and offences under the IT Act — all related to alleged phone tapping.
While the police maintained discretion on the finer details of the investigation, the case is understood to involve digital and documentary evidence, triggering the application of cyber law alongside traditional IPC sections.
The inclusion of Sections 409 (criminal breach of trust by a public servant) and 166 (public servant disobeying law with intent to cause injury) has given the case a political dimension, as it pertains to decisions allegedly taken during the previous BRS regime.
IPC Section 427 deals with mischief causing damage, while Section 201 pertains to causing the disappearance of evidence. The IT Act provisions suggest allegations linked to electronic data, digital communications, or online dissemination of material.
Police sources said the investigation has reached an advanced stage and statements from several individuals connected to the case have already been recorded. The notice to Rao is being seen as a part of routine procedural compliance to ascertain facts, rather than as an accusation.
The development is expected to trigger political reactions, with the BRS consistently alleging a political vendetta by the Congress-led Telangana government.
Party leaders have, in recent months, accused the government of using police machinery to target the Opposition. The Congress maintained that the law will take its own course and that no individual is above scrutiny.
The SIT has already recorded the statements of former ministers KT Rama Rao and T Harish Rao, besides several police officers, including former chief of the Special Intelligence Bureau T Prabhakar Rao, arraigned as the prime accused in the case.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
