Harish Rao Questions SIT Chief Statement on Phone Tapping

Objection Raised Over Official Description of Case

Senior BRS leader and former minister T. Harish Rao has publicly questioned the language used by Special Investigation Team (SIT) chief V.C. Sajjanar in connection with the phone tapping inquiry. Rao objected to the SIT chief referring to the matter as “illegal phone tapping” before any judicial determination.

In a detailed statement, Rao argued that describing the alleged acts as illegal at the investigation stage was legally untenable and inappropriate for a senior police officer leading a sensitive probe.

Emphasis on the Presumption of Innocence

Rao underlined that, in a constitutional democracy, no allegation can be treated as an offense until a competent court records a finding. He cited Article 21 of the Constitution and the doctrine of presumption of innocence, asserting that the role of the police is limited to investigation and not adjudication.

He maintained that the legality or illegality of phone interception can only be assessed through judicial scrutiny, based on compliance with Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, provisions of the Information Technology Act, and safeguards laid down by the Supreme Court in PUCL vs Union of India.

How a SIT chief @SajjanarVC can officially refer to the issue of phone tapping as “illegal” even before the matter has been examined and decided by a competent court of law.

Such a statement is not only legally unsustainable but also deeply disturbing coming from SIT chief.

In… https://t.co/YAXaL36keJ

— Harish Rao Thanneeru (@BRSHarish) February 2, 2026

Allegation of Prejudgment by SIT

The BRS leader said the SIT chief’s choice of words suggested a preconceived conclusion about the outcome of the inquiry. Such conduct, he stated, was inconsistent with the standards of neutrality and restraint mandated under the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968.

Rao also pointed out that the matter was politically sensitive, involving a former Chief Minister and the current Leader of the Opposition, and warned that premature conclusions could create apprehensions of bias.

Fairness of Investigation Questioned

Referring to repeated Supreme Court observations, Rao said investigations must not only be fair but must also appear to be fair to maintain public confidence in the criminal justice system. He cautioned that official police communications should not be used to shape public opinion or advance a political narrative.

He further questioned why the SIT chief did not refer to K. Chandrashekar Rao as the Honourable Leader of the Opposition in official communication.

SIT Statement on Questioning of KCR

The controversy follows a social media post by V.C. Sajjanar stating that the SIT had concluded the questioning of Gajwel MLA and former Chief Minister Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao in connection with the phone tapping case.

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