Senior Telangana cop demoted to inspector over phone tapping scandal
India Today
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.
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.
Official records and reports submitted by the Director General of Police, Telangana, list multiple alleged violations:
The government described these actions as “unbecoming of an officer of a disciplined force.”
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