The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has been constituted to probe the phone-tapping allegations involving the previous BRS government, is conducting the investigation on a priority basis. As part of the probe, the SIT has already questioned senior BRS leaders Harish Rao and KTR in connection with the case.
As reported earlier, former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) was also served a notice by the SIT, asking him to appear for questioning on January 30. This development created widespread anticipation that KCR would present himself at the SIT office for investigation.
However, in a twist to the ongoing probe, KCR has declined to appear at the SIT office, citing legal provisions. In his written response to the police authorities, KCR stated that as per the law, any male person above the age of 65 is not required to attend a police station for questioning. Instead, the investigating agency is mandated to examine such individuals at their place of residence.
KCR further conveyed that he is willing to cooperate with the investigation and would be available for questioning at his farmhouse in Erravalli, Siddipet district. He requested the authorities to inform him in advance and choose a convenient date to conduct the inquiry at the said premises.
With this response, the SIT may now have to alter its approach to question the former chief minister. It remains to be seen whether the investigating authorities will accept KCR’s request and proceed with the investigation at his farmhouse.
Jabardasth Comedian Defends Minister Subash, Slams Jagan
The other day, YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy courted controversy with his comments targeting TDP and Jana Sena leaders while speaking about Sankranti celebrations in Andhra Pradesh. He alleged that certain MLAs and MPs had encouraged recording dances and gambling during the festive period.
In this backdrop, Jagan specifically targeted Minister Vasamshetty Subash, accusing him of behaving irresponsibly and inappropriately by dancing on stage during recording dance programs. Jagan went on to claim that the minister had compromised his dignity through such actions.
However, Jabardasth comedian Shanti Swaroop, who was present on the stage during the same Sankranti celebration, has now come forward with a clarification video, offering a completely different version of events. Shanti Swaroop, popularly known for his lady getup performances on Jabardasth, categorically stated that Minister Subash was not at fault.
According to the comedian, a group of artists was officially invited to perform as part of the Sankranti festivities and were given work during the celebrations. He said the organisers, along with Minister Subash, were generous in supporting the artists. As a mark of respect, the artists themselves requested the minister to step onto the stage and dance briefly with them.
Shanti Swaroop clarified that the minister danced on his own only for a short while and that he later joined him on stage. He strongly refuted Jagan’s allegation that the minister danced shamelessly with women, stating that the former chief minister had completely misunderstood the situation. He added that such statements, made without knowing the facts, indirectly damage the livelihood and dignity of artists like them.
The comedian did not mince words while criticising Jagan, stating that a former chief minister should have verified basic facts before making serious allegations on a public platform.