Phone Tapping Controversy Deepens: Names of Telugu Actresses Surface as SIT Widens Probe
Hyderabad, June 27, 2025: The ongoing investigation into the phone tapping scandal that allegedly occurred during the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) regime has taken a sensational turn, with rumors intensifying about the possible surveillance of prominent Telugu film actresses.
For over a year, speculation has been rife that the phone of leading actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu was among those tapped. Some even suggested that the alleged surveillance may have contributed to her separation from actor Naga Chaitanya. At the time, the BRS government faced serious accusations from the opposition, including the current Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and other Congress and BJP leaders.
Among the most politically charged claims were those involving actress Rakul Preet Singh. During public rallies and debates, Revanth Reddy frequently referred to BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) as “Rakul Rao,” insinuating a close relationship between the two. These remarks added fuel to the speculation that Rakul’s phone may have been tapped under political motivations.
Now, the controversy has further escalated with the name of actress Hebah Patel emerging in connection with the phone tapping case. In a televised panel discussion hosted by Zee News Telugu, BJP MLA Paidi Rakesh Reddy claimed that he had received information about Hebah Patel’s phone being tapped. However, he clarified that he could not confirm the authenticity of the information. Despite this disclaimer, the news has triggered widespread media attention and social media discussions.
SIT’s Expanding Probe
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has been tasked with probing the phone tapping scandal, is now actively issuing notices and recording statements from those believed to be victims of illegal surveillance. Initial findings suggest that more than 600 individuals may have had their phones tapped during the previous government’s tenure.
According to sources close to the investigation, the SIT has already begun contacting individuals identified from the list of tapped numbers. Statements are being recorded as part of the evidence collection process. Given the high-profile nature of some of the alleged victims, the SIT is exercising caution and discretion in the manner of its inquiry.
While no official confirmation has been given regarding whether Samantha, Rakul Preet Singh, or Hebah Patel have been served notices or called in for questioning, sources indicate that the SIT may choose to record statements from such high-profile individuals in person, without summoning them publicly to the SIT office, citing security and privacy concerns.
What Lies Ahead?
The phone tapping case has already led to significant political fallout in Telangana. If it is confirmed that prominent actresses were indeed among the victims, the investigation is likely to enter a more explosive phase.
Public interest in the case has surged, especially with the SIT’s confirmation that only those whose phones were indeed tapped are being contacted. The issuance of any further notices to celebrities from the film industry will likely bring more clarity to the case and determine the extent of the surveillance operations.
As the SIT continues to unearth details, the year-and-a-half-long speculation surrounding illegal phone tapping in Telangana may finally lead to concrete answers. Whether political motivations, personal vendettas, or other factors were at play will become clearer as more statements are recorded and evidence reviewed.
For now, the Telugu film industry waits with bated breath to learn whether some of its biggest stars were indeed under illegal surveillance — and who ordered it.
