K Chandrashekar Rao's BRS under Spot: Alleged Unauthorized Phone Tapping Scandal Comes to the Fore

The K Chandrashekar Rao-led Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) finds itself under scrutiny as startling accusations have emerged regarding the alleged involvement of state police officers in the unauthorized phone tapping of opposition leaders, including current Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, as well as celebrities and businessmen. Allegations suggest that this surveillance was utilized to coerce businessmen into making hefty contributions to the BRS party fund.

In response to the allegations, three senior police officers have been arrested, with a lookout notice issued for T Prabhakar Rao, former chief of the state intelligence bureau, who is reportedly abroad. Additionally, two senior officers have confessed to engaging in illegal surveillance and tampering with evidence. Reports indicate that a technical consultant with the state intelligence bureau during the BRS regime, Ravi Paul, purportedly facilitated the importation and installation of phone-tapping equipment near Mr Reddy's residence, allegedly without the requisite permissions.

The imported equipment, allegedly procured from Israel via a software company as a front, reportedly enabled eavesdropping on conversations within a 300-meter radius of Mr Reddy's residence. Further investigation is anticipated, including questioning of Ravi Paul regarding his involvement in the matter. Lookout notices have also been issued for individuals such as Sharvan Rao, associated with a Telugu TV channel, and Radha Kishan Rao, a police officer with the city task force, suggesting a wider network involved in the surveillance operation.

The scope of the surveillance extends beyond political figures, encompassing prominent businessmen, including those in the real estate and jewellery sectors, as well as celebrities. As per reports, it has been suggested that intercepted phone conversations played a role in the dissolution of a celebrity marriage. Moreover, allegations of misconduct involving senior police officers have surfaced, with businessman and BJP leader Saran Chowdary accusing them of coercion and illegal land transfer to a relative of a former BRS minister.

Responding to these allegations, the former minister, Errabelli Dayakar Rao, has denied any involvement, dismissing the accusations as part of a political vendetta. He asserts that pressure to defect to other political parties persists, but he remains steadfast in his allegiance. Despite the mounting allegations, the BRS has yet to provide a formal response.​