Telangana Minister Seethakka Denies Phone Scam; Ex-CM KCR Questioned in Tapping Case

Minister Seethakka says phones cost Rs 11,650 each, following government rules. Meanwhile, ex-CM KCR is being questioned about alleged phone tapping.
By Newsroom | Politics, Telangana |

Hyderabad: A sharp exchange has erupted in Telangana politics, with Minister D. Seethakka issuing a legal notice concerning allegations of inflated mobile phone procurement, while former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) faces scrutiny from a Special Investigation Team (SIT) regarding alleged phone tapping.

Minister Seethakka has directly refuted claims made by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) regarding the procurement of mobile phones, asserting that the devices were acquired at a cost of Rs 11,650 per unit, a figure she insists aligns with Central Government guidelines and was secured through a transparent online tendering process. She vehemently criticized what she termed "malicious propaganda" and "baseless rhetoric" aimed at creating falsehoods.

Meanwhile, the SIT has formally issued a notice to K. Chandrashekhar Rao, the BRS president and former Chief Minister, summoning him for examination in connection with an ongoing phone-tapping investigation. This development marks an escalation in a politically charged case, following similar notices served to other senior BRS figures, including K.T. Rama Rao, T. Harish Rao, and J. Santosh Kumar. The SIT indicated flexibility regarding the location of the examination, suggesting it could take place at a location convenient to Mr. Rao, rather than solely at the police station.

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Mobile Procurement Dispute

The BRS has alleged a scam in the procurement of smartphones for Anganwadi workers under the Poshan Abhiyan initiative, claiming overpayments of Rs 8.44 crore due to discrepancies between tender rates and market values. They have also questioned associated maintenance costs. Minister Seethakka, however, maintains that the procurement was conducted legitimately, with no corrupt practices involved. She credited the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi with establishing the centres for which the phones were intended.

Phone-Tapping Investigation Deepens

The SIT’s notice to KCR under Section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) signals a significant step in the phone-tapping probe, which has already seen key leaders of the previous BRS government questioned. BRS leaders have broadly denounced these actions as politically motivated retribution.

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Political Landscape Shifts

This period of heightened political activity coincides with other significant developments, including the potential launch of a new political party by K. Kavitha, daughter of K. Chandrashekhar Rao, who is reportedly exploring Gandhian philosophy for her party’s agenda. Additionally, there have been reports of a governor’s inquiry being permitted against K.T. Rama Rao in a separate alleged Formula-E race scam case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the allegations against Minister D. Seethakka regarding mobile phones?
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party alleged a scam in buying smartphones for Anganwadi workers, claiming overpayments of Rs 8.44 crore. They questioned the tender rates and market values.
Q: How did Minister D. Seethakka respond to the mobile procurement allegations?
Minister Seethakka denied the claims, stating the phones were bought for Rs 11,650 each, which she said followed government guidelines. She also said the purchase was done through a fair online tender process and called the allegations 'malicious propaganda'.
Q: Why was former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) summoned by the SIT?
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) summoned KCR for questioning in an ongoing investigation into alleged phone tapping during his previous government's term.
Q: What is the current status of the phone-tapping investigation involving KCR?
The SIT issued a notice to KCR under Section 160 of the CrPC. They have offered to question him at a location convenient to him, not just at the police station, as part of the probe.
Q: Have other BRS leaders been involved in the phone-tapping investigation?
Yes, other senior BRS leaders, including K.T. Rama Rao, T. Harish Rao, and J. Santosh Kumar, have also received similar notices from the SIT for examination in the phone-tapping case.