AP govt accused of tapping phones of opposition leaders, journalists, lawyers

Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister and Telugu Desam Party chief N. Chandrababu Naidu accused the YSR Congress government in the state of telephone tapping and requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to order a high-level probe into it.

In a letter to the prime minister, Naidu claimed that the Jaganmohan Reddy-led government is indulging in tapping of phones of opposition leaders, lawyers, journalists and activists.

"The people Of Andhra Pradesh are facing a grave threat under the rule of Yuvajana Sramika Raithu Congress Party (YSRCP). Ever Since the YSRCP came to power, there has been a systematic and concerted attack on the democratic institutions in the State," Naidu said in his letter, and alleged that the "ruling YSRCP has been attacking and threatening leaders of opposition parties, advocates, media persons, and social activists."

Pointing out that as per Indian Telegraph Act, tapping of phone conversations can be done only in case of a threat to national security or in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, or threat to friendly relations with foreign countries, the former chief minister said the ruling government in the state did not follow due procedure while allegedly tapping phones of people, thus violating Articles 19 and 21 of fundamental rights guaranteed in the Constitution.

"Section 5(2) of Indian Telegraph Act and Section 69 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 are violated by this government as there is no reason as per the above acts to tap the phones of leaders of opposition parties, advocates, journalists and social activists," he wrote, and alleged that the state government is doing this for political gains.

"The ruling party, in its over enthusiasm to retain power at any cost, is dangerously threatening and attacking any person or institution raising their voice against the mal-functioning of the government," he claimed in the letter, and alleged that even the judiciary has been targetted by the government.

Further, he said if such "illegal phone tapping goes unchecked", there will be threat to the security of the nation.

He urged the prime minister to initiate "immediate and stern action" in order to prevent further unlawful activities by the ruling party in the state. "Therefore, it would be appropriate to order an enquiry by a competent body of the government of India to check the illegal acts of phone tapping in Andhra Pradesh," the TDP chief wrote.

Meanwhile, according to media reports, rebel YSR Congress MP Kanumuru Raghu Rama Krishna Raju, on Sunday, raised a similar concern as he claimed that the state intelligence wing is tapping his phone calls.

Writing to Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla, he said his Constitutional rights stand violated and sought an investigation into the issue.