Overview The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently investigating a phone-tapping case that has drawn significant attention. As part of this investigation, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K. T. Rama Rao has been summoned for questioning. The summons, issued under Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure , requires him to appear before investigators on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Jubilee Hills police station. This development follows the appearance of former Minister and Siddipet MLA T. Harish Rao before the SIT on January 20, 2026 , in connection with the same case. Key Developments Summons to K. T. Rama Rao: Issued on January 22, 2026 , requiring his presence on January 23, 2026 . Legal Basis: The summons was issued under Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure , indicating that Rama Rao possesses information relevant to the investigation. Previous Appearance: Former Minister T. Harish Rao appeared before the SIT on January 20, 2026 . SIT Composition: The Telangana government constituted a 10-member Special Investigation Team , headed by Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar . Investigating Officer: Jubilee Hills Assistant Commissioner of Police P. Venkatagiri has been appointed as the investigating officer. Background of the Case The case revolves around allegations of illegal phone interceptions conducted through the Special Intelligence Branch (SIB) , purportedly to benefit the Bharat Rashtra Samithi . The matter surfaced following the arrest of former SIB Deputy Superintendent of Police Praneeth Rao on March 13, 2024 . He was apprehended after a complaint was filed by his superior, Additional Superintendent of Police D. Ramesh , alleging unauthorized interception of phone calls of senior political leaders and government officials. UPSC Relevance This case is relevant to the UPSC Civil Services Exam as it touches upon issues of governance, law, and order, and ethical considerations in the functioning of state agencies. It is particularly relevant to GS Paper 2 (Polity and Governance) and GS Paper 3 (Security) . GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation; Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity. GS Paper 3: Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism. Important Facts Key Individuals: K. T. Rama Rao , T. Harish Rao , V. C. Sajjanar , Praneeth Rao , D. Ramesh . Key Dates: January 23, 2026 (KTR summons), January 20, 2026 (Harish Rao appearance), March 13, 2024 (Praneeth Rao arrest). Legal Provisions: Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure . Organizations: Special Investigation Team (SIT) , Special Intelligence Branch (SIB) , Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) .