Phone-tapping case: SIT questions KCR for 4.5 hours at Nandi Nagar residence

Hyderabad: Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Sunday questioned former chief minister and BRS president K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) for nearly four-and-a-half hours at his Nandi Nagar residence in Banjara Hills in connection with the alleged illegal phone-tapping case.

The interrogation, which began around 3.10 pm and concluded by 7.40 pm, was audio and video recorded.

Focus of the questioning

According to sources, the SIT questioned KCR using technical, documentary, and electronic evidence gathered during the probe.

The former chief minister was reportedly shown videos and confession statements of some accused and witnesses, including his nephew and former BRS MP Joginapally Santosh Kumar. While he was initially reluctant to view the material, officials said he gradually engaged as the questioning progressed.

Investigators sought explanations on the alleged phone tapping, the re-appointment of T. Prabhakar Rao as Special Intelligence Branch (SIB) chief after retirement, and related administrative decisions.

The questioning was largely based on statements already recorded from other accused and officials, which were cross-verified during the examination.

Questions on elections and surveillance

Sources said the SIT also raised queries about alleged surveillance during the 2023 Assembly elections, the Munugode and Huzurabad by-elections, and the 2022 MLAs’ poaching case.

Officials reportedly asked whether directions were issued to snoop on politicians, businessmen, and others, including individuals who funded the BRS through electoral bonds.

The former chief minister was also questioned about WhatsApp groups allegedly used to share intelligence inputs during the polls and whether he was aware of the rules governing the destruction of tapping-related material.

Conduct during examination

Officials noted that KCR remained composed throughout the questioning and did not resort to political rhetoric or counterattacks.

The interrogation was conducted on the second floor of the residence, with the SIT making it clear that legal counsel would not be permitted during the examination.

Senior BRS leaders, including working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) and Siddipet MLA T. Harish Rao, waited in another room.

After recording his statement, the SIT left the premises with two trunk boxes containing files and electronic items related to the investigation.

Heavy security deployment

Tight security arrangements were put in place around the residence. Police deployed more than 470 personnel drawn from law and order, traffic, Armed Reserve, QRT, Special Branch, political intelligence, and task force units within a 1.5-km radius.

Seven drones were used for aerial surveillance, several roads were barricaded, and additional forces were posted near the BRS office in Banjara Hills.

Before the questioning began, party leaders and supporters were asked to vacate the premises. After the interrogation concluded, Chandrashekar Rao briefly appeared on the balcony to greet party cadres gathered outside.

Official confirmation

City Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar later confirmed on X that the SIT had completed the questioning of the former chief minister.

The SIT team comprised senior officials, including Ambar Kishore Jha, Tasweer Ahmed, S.M. Vijay Kumar, Rituraj, K. Narayan Reddy, M. Ravinder Reddy, and K.S. Rao, with Jubilee Hills ACP P. Venkatagiri leading the examination.