Hyderabad task force Ex-DCP confesses to widespread phone tapping of political leaders
Hyderabad: Former Deputy Commissioner of Police Radha Kishan Rao has confessed to extensive phone tapping of political leaders in Hyderabad. Rao, recently arrested, implicated high-ranking officials and political figures in his statement. According to Rao, the Special Intelligence Branch (SIB) Chief Prabhakar Rao orchestrated the operation, targeting threats to the ruling BRS party.
Hyderabad Task Force Ex-DCP Confesses to Widespread Phone Tapping of Political Leaders; List of those phones tapped is out
Hyderabad Task Force former Deputy Commissioner of Police Radha Kishan Rao has confessed to the Hyderabad police about his involvement in an extensive… pic.twitter.com/M7DFpduyET
— Sudhakar Udumula (@sudhakarudumula) May 27, 2024
Rao stated that SIB, under Prabhakar Rao’s direction, systematically gathered information on these individuals. The intelligence was then relayed to SIB DSP Praneeth Kumar, who continuously monitored these individuals. Prominent figures under surveillance included MLC Shambipur Raju, T. Rajaiah, Kadiyam Srihari, Patnam Mahender Reddy and his wife, retired IPS officer RS Praveen Kumar, and media personalities NTV’s Narendra Chowdary and ABN’s Radhakrishna.
Surveillance extended beyond political figures
Rao revealed that several businessmen from the construction and real estate sectors were also monitored. This surveillance led many political leaders, judiciary members, and bureaucrats to avoid direct phone calls. They opted for encrypted communication platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, and Snapchat instead. In response, Prabhakar Rao’s team began obtaining and analyzing Internet Protocol Data Records (IPDRs) to track communications over internet calls.
A particularly disturbing element involves journalist Sravan Kumar from iNews. During the election period in October and November 2023, Sravan Kumar maintained direct contact with Prabhakar Rao at the behest of then-Minister T. Harish Rao. Sravan Kumar facilitated the flow of information from opposition leaders and their financial supporters to the SIB. He provided specific inputs for targeted seizures of money from rival leaders and assisted in online trolling campaigns against critics of the BRS party.
Ethical and legal questions raised
The use of state resources for political espionage has raised serious ethical and legal questions. This scandal has highlighted the need for stringent oversight and accountability in the use of intelligence resources. The revelations have sparked widespread concern and calls for a thorough investigation into the misuse of power for political gain.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
