Senior Telangana cop demoted to inspector over phone tapping scandal
Telangana government takes strict action against DSP Dugyala Praneeth Kumar for alleged misconduct and illegal surveillance activities. The cancellation of his accelerated promotion underscores zero tolerance for abuse of power within the police force.
In a dramatic development in the high-profile phone tapping case, the Telangana government has stripped Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Dugyala Praneeth Kumar of his rank, reverting him to Inspector of Police (Civil) over alleged misconduct and legal violations.
The government’s move follows revelations of serious procedural breaches during his tenure in the Special Intelligence Branch (SIB), raising questions about abuse of power and digital surveillance practices.
ACCELERATED PROMOTION CANCELLED
According to G.O.Rt.No.52, issued by the Home (Special) Department on January 20, 2026, the accelerated promotion granted to Praneeth Kumar during the previous BRS regime has been officially cancelled.
The order cited “unsatisfactory performance and grave misconduct” during his probation period, which followed his promotion to DSP. Praneeth Kumar, a 2007-batch officer, had earned accelerated promotion for his work in extremist operations and special intelligence tasks.
ALLEGED VIOLATIONS UNDER INVESTIGATION
Official records and reports submitted by the Director General of Police, Telangana, list multiple alleged violations:
- Removal and replacement of 42 hard disks from official systems
- Illegal surveillance using SIB desktops, laptops and servers
- Unauthorised access to Call Detail Records, location data, IMEI numbers, IP addresses, and other confidential information
- Storage of sensitive data on personal devices
- Deletion and destruction of digital evidence, including dismantling hard disks and switching off CCTV cameras
- Actions violating Rule 3 of the TSCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964
The government described these actions as “unbecoming of an officer of a disciplined force.”
CRIMINAL CASE AND SUSPENSION
Praneeth Kumar, who served in the SIB from 2016 to 2023, was placed under suspension in March 2024.
A criminal case was registered against him at Panjagutta Police Station following a complaint by an Additional SP of SIB. He was arrested on December 12, 2024, remanded to judicial custody, and a preliminary charge sheet has been filed. The investigation is ongoing.
PROBATION NOT COMPLETED
Though Praneeth Kumar assumed charge as DSP on March 31, 2023, the government observed that he did not satisfactorily complete the mandatory one-year probation required under Police (Civil) Service Rules. His involvement in the criminal case and suspension prevented him from fulfilling the probation conditions.
As a result, his accelerated promotion was formally cancelled, and he has been reverted to his substantive rank of Inspector of Police (Civil).
MESSAGE TO THE FORCE
Officials said the decision sends a strong message that violations of legal procedures and misuse of official authority will not be tolerated in the state police.
“The cancellation of promotion reflects the government’s zero-tolerance stance against misconduct and criminal intent within the force,” a senior official said.
In a dramatic development in the high-profile phone tapping case, the Telangana government has stripped Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Dugyala Praneeth Kumar of his rank, reverting him to Inspector of Police (Civil) over alleged misconduct and legal violations.
The government’s move follows revelations of serious procedural breaches during his tenure in the Special Intelligence Branch (SIB), raising questions about abuse of power and digital surveillance practices.
ACCELERATED PROMOTION CANCELLED
According to G.O.Rt.No.52, issued by the Home (Special) Department on January 20, 2026, the accelerated promotion granted to Praneeth Kumar during the previous BRS regime has been officially cancelled.
The order cited “unsatisfactory performance and grave misconduct” during his probation period, which followed his promotion to DSP. Praneeth Kumar, a 2007-batch officer, had earned accelerated promotion for his work in extremist operations and special intelligence tasks.
ALLEGED VIOLATIONS UNDER INVESTIGATION
Official records and reports submitted by the Director General of Police, Telangana, list multiple alleged violations:
- Removal and replacement of 42 hard disks from official systems
- Illegal surveillance using SIB desktops, laptops and servers
- Unauthorised access to Call Detail Records, location data, IMEI numbers, IP addresses, and other confidential information
- Storage of sensitive data on personal devices
- Deletion and destruction of digital evidence, including dismantling hard disks and switching off CCTV cameras
- Actions violating Rule 3 of the TSCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964
The government described these actions as “unbecoming of an officer of a disciplined force.”
CRIMINAL CASE AND SUSPENSION
Praneeth Kumar, who served in the SIB from 2016 to 2023, was placed under suspension in March 2024.
A criminal case was registered against him at Panjagutta Police Station following a complaint by an Additional SP of SIB. He was arrested on December 12, 2024, remanded to judicial custody, and a preliminary charge sheet has been filed. The investigation is ongoing.
PROBATION NOT COMPLETED
Though Praneeth Kumar assumed charge as DSP on March 31, 2023, the government observed that he did not satisfactorily complete the mandatory one-year probation required under Police (Civil) Service Rules. His involvement in the criminal case and suspension prevented him from fulfilling the probation conditions.
As a result, his accelerated promotion was formally cancelled, and he has been reverted to his substantive rank of Inspector of Police (Civil).
MESSAGE TO THE FORCE
Officials said the decision sends a strong message that violations of legal procedures and misuse of official authority will not be tolerated in the state police.
“The cancellation of promotion reflects the government’s zero-tolerance stance against misconduct and criminal intent within the force,” a senior official said.