The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of a complaint regarding the failure to register an FIR over public allegations of ‘black magic’ and ‘occult rituals’ against Siddipet MLA and former Minister T. Harish Rao. The Commission has directed the Director General of Police (DGP), Telangana, to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within four weeks.

According to the complaint by Karupothula Revanth, no temple records, priest statements, receipts or other evidence supporting these allegations have so far been made public but there were repeated public allegations targeting Mr. Harish Rao that he had performed tantric or occult rituals at temples to stop the rains and cause drought.

Complaints were submitted at the Osmania University and Vanasthalipuram Police Stations on August 4, 2026, followed by a representation to the DGP office on August 17, 2026. However, according to the complaint, no FIR was registered, and no reasons were communicated for the failure to register the case.