Phone tapping case: SIT issues second notice to KCR, asks to appear at Nandinagar residence on Feb 1

Hyderabad: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged phone tapping case has issued a second notice to former chief minister and BRS president K. Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR), directing him to appear for inquiry at his residence in Nandi Nagar, Hyderabad, at 3 pm, on February 1 (Sunday).

Notice under Section 160 CrPC

The latest notice follows an earlier communication issued by the SIT on January 28 under Section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in connection with Crime No. 243/2024 of Panjagutta Police Station.

The notice sought KCR’s cooperation in the ongoing investigation into the alleged misuse of surveillance and phone tapping mechanisms.

KCR seeks inquiry at Erravalli

In response, KCR submitted a representation on January 29 stating that he was engaged with municipal and municipal corporation elections across the State. He requested that the inquiry be conducted at his residence in Erravalli village of Markook mandal in Siddipet district at a later date.

However, the SIT instead pasted the notice on a wall at his Nandinagar residence in Hyderabad on Friday.

SIT rejects request, cites procedure

In its reply dated January 30, the SIT clarified that the notice had been issued to KCR’s Hyderabad address as per official records, including election affidavits and Assembly documents.

While acknowledging KCR’s age and the proviso under Section 160 CrPC, the investigating officer stated that the inquiry could only be held at his “ordinary residence” as reflected in official records.

The SIT made it clear that the request to conduct the inquiry at Erravalli could not be accepted, as that address was not recorded as his official residence for investigative purposes.

Logistical constraints highlighted

The SIT further pointed out that the inquiry involves examination of multiple sensitive electronic and physical records, and shifting them to Erravalli would pose administrative and logistical difficulties. Hence, it reiterated that KCR should be available for questioning at his Hyderabad residence.

Probe gathers pace

The phone tapping case has been under investigation for several months, focusing on alleged illegal surveillance during the previous regime. The second notice to KCR signals the SIT’s move to record statements from key political functionaries as the probe advances.