Supreme Court grants bail to additional SP Thirupathanna in Telangana phone tapping case

The apex court granted the bail on conditions that the accused would extend complete cooperation in trial and not cause any delay, misuse his liberty or influence witnesses or tamper evidence. Any traction would lead to cancellation of bail

Hyderabad: The Supreme Court granted bail to Additional SP Thirupathanna, who was suspended and imprisoned for the last 10 months in connection with the phone tapping case. The court’s decision was based on the State government’s admission that the chargesheet was filed and the investigation was expected to take four more months.

The apex court granted the bail on conditions that the accused would extend complete cooperation in trial and not cause any delay, misuse his liberty or influence witnesses or tamper evidence. Any traction would lead to cancellation of bail.

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A Bench comprising Justice BV Nagaratna and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma heard the matter. The court observed that there was no reason why continued incarceration was required when the chargesheet was filed and trial was yet to commence.

Representing the State government, senior advocate Siddhartha Luthra opposed the bail, arguing that the investigation into Thirupathanna’s alleged role in the case was ongoing. He highlighted that critical evidence and data, purportedly erased following election results on December 3 last year, were being retrieved from Google servers.

Luthra stated that Thirupathanna was the prime accused and alleged that he not only facilitated the phone tapping but also played a significant role in destroying evidence. He further pointed out that the tapped phones included those of High Court judges and that questioning of key witnesses remains pending.

Appearing on behalf of the accused, senior advocate Siddhartha Dave said the appellant served as Additional SP in the Special Investigation Branch comprising of 30 police officers whose official duty was as direction to carry out surveillance. While discharging the duty, the appellant was arrested on frivolous charges and was in custody for 10 months.

Despite the objections from the State, the Supreme Court acknowledged the prolonged incarceration and allowed bail, emphasising adherence to the stipulated conditions. The court also observed that Thirupathanna worked for the government for 29 years and did not face a single allegation in those years.