Hyderabad: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday has directed the Telangana DGP to take action against those who made unsubstantiated black magic allegations against BRS leader and ex-minister T Harish Rao. The NHRC gave these orders taking cognisance of a complaint regarding the failure to register an FIR over public allegations of “black magic” and “occult rituals” against Harish Rao.The complaint was filed before the NHRC by Telangana high court advocate Karupothula Revanth. The Commission has directed the Telangana DGP, to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within four weeks.According to the complaint, since July 31, 2026, persons holding high public offices, including the chief minister and a govt whip, have repeatedly made public allegations that Harish Rao had performed tantric or occult rituals at temples to stop the rains and cause drought.The complaint said that no temple records, priest statements, receipts or other evidence supporting these allegations have so far been made public. It further stated that complaints were submitted at the OU and Vanasthalipuram police stations on Aug 4, followed by a representation at the DGP’s office on Aug 17. However, according to the complaint, no FIR was registered and no reasons were communicated for the failure to register the case.The complaint expressed concern that public statements by persons holding high constitutional and political offices linking rainfall or drought to occult practices could promote superstition among the public. It also warned that such claims could encourage accusations of witchcraft in rural areas and potentially lead to attacks against women, widows, elderly persons and members of SC/ST communities.Advocate Karupothula Revanth said, “If an ordinary citizen makes such allegations, a case would be registered immediately. But when people in positions of power make such statements, no action is taken. That is the reason this complaint was filed.”
