Telangana ‘snooping’: Top-secret letters by telecom providers blew lid off ‘illegal surveillance’ during BRS regime
Hyderabad, August 7, 2025 — A major political controversy has erupted in Telangana after confidential letters from telecom operators exposed a surveillance operation allegedly run during the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) regime.
Telecom Letters Uncover the Truth
Top telecom companies sent secret letters to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), raising red flags about suspicious requests. These requests asked for call records and mobile data of various individuals. However, officials failed to follow proper legal procedures under the Indian Telegraph Act.
The telecom firms questioned the legitimacy of the orders. They flagged the lack of proper authorization and alerted central authorities. These warnings triggered an internal inquiry that led to the current revelations.
Signs of a Coordinated Operation
Investigators believe the snooping wasn’t random. It followed a planned pattern involving unauthorized surveillance of politicians, civil society leaders, and even business executives. The operation allegedly ran without judicial or ministerial approval.
Sources say the plan aimed to gather information for political advantage. If confirmed, the surveillance would violate privacy laws and fundamental rights.
Congress Government Launches Probe
The current Congress-led government in Telangana has ordered a formal investigation. IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu stated that state intelligence officials are already under scrutiny.
“These are not just claims. The telecom companies documented their concerns in writing. These records are now part of the official probe,” Babu said during a press briefing.
He also indicated that some current and former officials could face charges under the Indian Penal Code and the IT Act.
BRS Denies the Allegations
Leaders from the BRS have denied all wrongdoing. K.T. Rama Rao, former IT Minister and BRS working president, called the accusations politically driven.
“The Congress is using this to cover up its failures,” KTR said. “We ran a transparent administration. Let the inquiry reveal the facts.”
Meanwhile, the BJP and CPI(M) have demanded an independent judicial probe. They argue that a sitting High Court judge should lead the investigation.
Legal Framework for Surveillance
Indian law allows phone tapping and surveillance only with written approval from the Union or State Home Secretary. A government-appointed review committee monitors these actions. Skipping this process makes any such action illegal.
Unauthorized surveillance can lead to penalties under the Telegraph Act, the IT Act, and other criminal laws.
Public Reacts to Privacy Breach
The scandal has sparked concern over digital privacy in India. Activists and rights groups warn that surveillance tools must not become political weapons.
Prateek Waghre of the Internet Freedom Foundation said, “If proven true, this is a serious threat to democracy. Surveillance must not be used to crush dissent.”
