DGP clears that no phone tappings of opposition party leaders

Director General of Police M Mahender Reddy has categorically denied that his department was tapping phones of Opposition party leaders and workers. Replying to a notice served by Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar a few days ago, Mahender Reddy said the question of tapping phones does not arise.“However, it is submitted that phone tapping is done strictly as per the well-laid out procedures in the interest of national security and prevention of crime,” said the DGP’s response. There are checks and balances in the system under the law governing legal interceptions. There is no scope for any illegal phone tapping contrary to provision of law, he claimed.

The allegation that vehicles of leaders like N Uttam Kumar Reddy, L Ramana and Kodandaram are being checked regularly, subjecting them to discomfort, is not correct, the top cop said. “The Election Commission is aware of the permanent and temporary nakas installed across the State. Any vehicle passing through these posts is checked without any bias, in an impartial manner,” Mahender Reddy said. 

 It may be recalled that leaders of Opposition parties met Rajat Kumar recently and submitted a representation to him alleging that their phones were being tapped and selective searches of their vehicles were being carried out by the state machinery. Based on the complaint, Rajat Kumar had written a letter to DGP seeking information.