Two weeks on… SIT still in slumber

Hyderabad: The Special Investigative Team (SIT) constituted to probe the data theft case is allegedly still far behind from uncovering the truth. Even as the State government constituted the SIT with top officials two weeks ago, there is no progress in the investigation of the case that created political tremors in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh States.

The main accused in the data theft case and IT Grids Director Ashok is still absconding. The SIT is also yet to decrypt the information collected from the computers and hard disks seized from the company. Officials said that the SIT tried to retrieve the data from the password protected computers and the hard discs with the help of ethical hawkers whereas, Amazon and Google companies also came forward to furnish the information after getting the notices from the Cyberabad police.

They have also issued fresh notices to four employees of IT Grids company whom the Cyberabad police interrogated earlier and recorded the statements and sought clarifications from. They have also collected Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report which had turned crucial for the SIT team for their further investigation in the case since the main accused was absconding.

The officials are analysing the CCTV footage gathered at IT Grids office in order to identify the persons who visited the IT Grids Office. Special teams were formed to nab main accused D Ashok to crack the case and establish the facts.

The SIT team also issued notices and deadline to D Ashok to appear before them and face the enquiry at their Goshamahal office and furnish the information regarding the case. But, the accused did not appear before them and the deadline for him to appear before the officials ended on March 13. The police also decided to approach the court to seek arrest warrant against the accused but till date nothing in this manner has been done.

Speaking to The Hans India, SIT Chief Stephen Ravindra said, "if there is any development in the case then we will let you know." Several questions regarding the case which are still unanswered are bothering the public.

-M Yanadi Reddy