During the BRS regime in Telangana, a disturbing chapter unfolded behind the scenes—one that involved widespread illegal surveillance. What was once meant to protect citizens and counter threats was allegedly used to spy on political rivals, journalists, even judges and their families.
Former intelligence officers have come forward to admit that a secret team under the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB), led by T. Prabhakar Rao, tapped phones, tracked movements, and profiled over 1,200 individuals—most of them critics or opponents of BRS. Sophisticated tools and private agencies were allegedly involved, and the surveillance wasn’t just digital. Vehicles were intercepted, supporters harassed, and cash seized ahead of elections, all to give BRS an unfair edge.
After losing the 2023 elections, key insiders reportedly destroyed evidence—logs, hard drives, and all—within minutes, raising even more questions about how deep this operation ran. It’s estimated that phones of at least 650 political leaders were tapped.
The Congress, now in power, has taken this issue head-on. TPCC president Revanth Reddy and other leaders like Mahesh Kumar Goud have been vocal, calling it a “blatant assault on democracy.” Many Congress MLAs, including from Achampet and surrounding districts, have shared how they and their supporters were watched, followed, and intimidated during BRS’s rule.
Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka described the episode as one of the darkest moments in Telangana’s democratic journey. “People’s freedom and privacy were crushed,” he said, urging a thorough investigation. The Congress is demanding action against former CM KCR, K.T. Rama Rao, and top officials who may have been involved.For many citizens, this scandal isn’t just political—it’s personal. Being watched, listened to, and followed for simply supporting a party or speaking up isn’t just wrong, it’s dangerous. The Congress insists this isn’t about revenge, but about restoring trust, transparency, and ensuring that no government ever misuses power like this again.
