Hyderabad: BRS senior leader and former minister T Harish Rao on Monday accused SIT chief V C Sajjanar of showing bias by referring to phone tapping as “illegal” before any court ruling.
In a post on X, Harish Rao questioned how the SIT chief could label the issue illegal at the investigation stage. He said only a competent court could decide whether an offence existed. He termed the remark legally unsustainable and disturbing.
Citing constitutional principles, Harish Rao said Article 21 guaranteed presumption of innocence. He said police had a duty to investigate, not to adjudicate or declare guilt.
Harish Rao questions neutrality of SIT chief
Explaining the legal position, Harish Rao said phone interception required strict compliance with Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act and provisions of the IT Act. He also referred to safeguards laid down by the Supreme Court in PUCL vs Union of India. According to him, courts alone could determine violations.
He alleged that using the phrase “illegal phone tapping” reflected a preconceived conclusion. He said such language violated the neutrality expected under the All India Services Conduct Rules.
Harish Rao said premature remarks in a politically sensitive case raised fears of a biased probe. He added that investigations must remain fair and also appear fair. Public confidence, he said, depended on this standard.
He warned that police communications should not shape political narratives or influence public opinion. He demanded that agencies act independently and within legal limits.
Harish Rao also questioned why the SIT chief did not recognise K Chandrashekar Rao as the Leader of the Opposition. He said the people of Telangana deserved an explanation.
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.
— Harish Rao Thanneeru (@BRSHarish) February 2, 2026