NHRC Directs Telangana DGP to Act on Allegations Against Harish Rao

Advocate and social activist Karupothula Revanth has approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleging that no FIR was registered over public accusations against Siddipet MLA and former minister T. Harish Rao involving “black magic” and “occult rituals.” The NHRC has taken up the complaint under Case No. 776/36/2/2026 and, according to the complainant, directed the Telangana DGP on September 9 to submit an Action Taken Report in English within four weeks. Revanth said he filed the complaint on August 22 under Section 12(a) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, on behalf of Harish Rao and with his authorisation.

The complaint alleges that since July 31, several persons holding high positions, including the Chief Minister and a government whip, had publicly claimed that Harish Rao performed tantric rituals at temples to stop rainfall and cause drought. The complainant said no temple records, priests, receipts or witnesses supporting the allegations had been made public. He further alleged that complaints submitted at Osmania University and Vanasthalipuram police stations on August 4, followed by a representation at the DGP office on August 17, did not result in an FIR. Revanth expressed concern that claims linking occult practices with rainfall could strengthen superstition and potentially increase attacks against women, widows, elderly persons and SC/ST communities over allegations of witchcraft. He said the alleged lack of action despite such statements by people in positions of power was the basis of the complaint.