Hyderabad: SIT Probes Deeper in Phone Tapping Scandal
Fresh developments have emerged in the high-profile phone tapping case from Telangana. The Special Investigation Team has once again grilled key figures from the review committee active during T Prabhakar Rao’s tenure as intelligence chief. This move aims to uncover more details about unauthorized surveillance activities that shook political circles.
Officials like the then GAD secretary, chief secretary, and intelligence head faced repeated questioning. Their statements were meticulously recorded to build a stronger case. Such steps highlight the team’s determination to leave no stone unturned in this sensitive probe.
Key Officials Under Scrutiny
Former IAS officer Somesh Kumar, who served as chief secretary, received notices and appeared for interrogation. The SIT sought clarity on his role in approving or overseeing tapping operations. His insights could link higher-ups to the alleged misuse of power.
Ex-intelligence chief IPS officer Naveen Chand also faced the heat. Investigators confronted him directly with Prabhakar Rao to cross-verify accounts. A second round of statements from Naveen helped refine the timeline of events.
Confrontations and Evidence Gathering
In a dramatic turn, the SIT arranged a face-to-face between Naveen Chand and Prabhakar Rao. This session aimed to resolve conflicting narratives about who authorized the taps. Details from this encounter could prove pivotal in court.
The team revisited Somesh Kumar’s testimony too, ensuring consistency across all accounts. With these efforts, authorities are piecing together a comprehensive picture of the operation’s scale and participants.
Push for Supplementary Chargesheet
As investigations intensify, the SIT is gearing up to file an additional chargesheet. This document will incorporate new findings from recent interrogations. It targets gaps in the initial filing, strengthening the prosecution’s stance.
Families and observers watch closely, hoping for accountability in a case that exposed privacy breaches. The process underscores the challenges of holding powerful figures responsible.
Broader Implications for Governance
This scandal raises tough questions about oversight in intelligence work. How did routine reviews miss red flags? Lessons from here might reform protocols to prevent future abuses.
Public trust in institutions hangs in the balance. Transparent handling could restore faith, while delays might fuel skepticism.