Intelligence sleuths tap mobiles

By S. A Ishaqui

Hyderabad July 14: Intelligence sleuths are eavesdropping on the mobile phone conversations of persons suspected to have links with terror groups. They are also conducting random snooping of mobile phone conversations among the general public citing internal security reasons. Sources said that hundreds of mobile users including advocates, high profile persons and known sympathisers of terror networks were being snooped upon.

The State intelligence has procured equipment to record the conversations. A special provision in law enables intelligence agencies to keep tab on mobile conversations of individuals who may pose threats to internal security.

Technology is available which will help police and mobile service providers to listen and even record conversations. "There is no provision in the Constitution which enables us to tap phone conversations of individuals on mere suspicion," said a senior police officer.

"But it is done by intelligence agencies when the issue is one of national security." "It has helped solve some complicated cases," said a top intelligence official. "We are working closely with private telephone companies."

A software expert, Mohammed Ali, said that sometimes service providers also listen to private conversations of their subscribers.

They do this mostly to track the defaulters (customers) with the help of network coverage antennas. "If you notice an echo effect, a low long beep and wind noise while talking, there is a possibility that someone is listening," said a software expert.