Phone tapping case: Former BRS MLA Jaipal Yadav appears before SIT

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing the phone-tapping case in Hyderabad, has recorded the statement of former BRS MLAs Jaipal Yadav on Thursday (January 8), in connection with allegations of illegal surveillance during the previous BRS regime.

The SIT had summoned BRS MLAs Jaipal Yadav and Chiramurthy Lingayya to appear before it on Thursday. Mr. Yadav appeared before the SIT at 11 a.m. Yadav had earlier appeared before the West Zone police in November, 2025. He was reportedly questioned about phone conversations between Additional SP Tirupatanna, an accused in the case. The statement of BRS MLC K. Naveen Rao was recorded two days ago as part of the ongoing investigation.

Investigators also summoned Kondal Rao, father of Naveen Rao, and Sandeep, son of Madhavaram Krishna Rao. Mr. Kondal Rao has reportedly informed officials that he is unwell and requested that questioning be conducted at his residence, while Mr. Sandeep is currently abroad.

Following the surrender of the prime accused, T. Prabhakar Rao, who was in the United States, police questioned him multiple times. Citing lack of cooperation, police moved the Supreme Court seeking custodial interrogation. Following 14 days of custody, the SIT expanded the probe, summoning several politicians and other prominent persons.

Over the last few months, before the formation of the SIT, the West Zone police of Hyderabad has summoned and questioned several individuals in the case.

The matter is listed before the Supreme Court on January 16, and police are preparing a status report. The case came to light after the arrest of former SIB DSP Praneeth Rao on March 13, 2024. He was picked up from his residence in Rajanna Sircilla following a complaint by Additional SP D. Ramesh, who alleged unlawful interception of phone calls belonging to senior political leaders and officials.