Hyderabad: The special investigation team (SIT) questioned BRS working president K T Rama Rao Friday in the phone tapping case for nearly seven hours amid heavy security at Jubilee Hills police station.The questioning centred around allegations that key police wings were allegedly misused during the BRS regime for political purposes, including targeting opponents and aiding the party’s electoral strategy.Sources said, the SIT focused on the alleged use of the Hyderabad police commissioner’s task force and Special Intelligence Bureau, a key unit of the state intelligence apparatus, to carry out political work benefiting the BRS. As the party’s working president during the relevant period, KTR was questioned on organisational decisions and the role of these agencies.Investigators also sought details on alleged targeted cash seizures carried out by the police during the BRS tenure, particularly during the Dubbak, Munugode and Huzurabad bypolls, as well as the 2023 assembly elections.Another issue discussed was a complaint by a businessman, who alleged that officials were used to intimidate him into purchasing electoral bonds in support of the BRS. Surveillance of opposition leaders during the previous regime also figured in the questioning.Sources said KTR denied all allegations during the probe and reiterated publicly that nothing illegal had taken place.Former deputy commissioner of police (task force) P Radha Kishan Rao, an accused in the case, was also summoned on Thursday, though officials said both were questioned separately.After KTR’s questioning concluded, police commissioner and SIT in-charge V C Sajjanar said, “Relevant aspects of the case were elicited and are being analysed with the evidence on record. He was instructed not to contact or influence any witnesses and informed that he may be summoned again, if required.”Sajjanar cautioned against speculation, saying misleading narratives were being circulated about the probe and reiterated that the investigation was being conducted “strictly in accordance with law, fairly and professionally”.Earlier in the day, KTR left his residence along with senior party leaders, including former minister and Siddipet MLA T Harish Rao, and proceeded via the BRS headquarters to the police station. Traffic restrictions were briefly imposed along his route. The station and surrounding areas were barricaded, and police deployed additional forces, Vajra vehicles and DCM vans to prevent untoward incidents.In the days leading up to the questioning, KTR had maintained that no illegal phone tapping took place during the BRS regime and that any interceptions were carried out in accordance with the Indian Telegraph Act and in the interest of the state.
