In another twist in ‘MLAs poaching’ case, an audio of telephonic conversation between the main accused and a Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) MLA surfaced on Friday. Alleged BJP agents Ramachandra Bharati alias Swamiji, Nanda Kumar and Simhayaji Swamy were arrested from a farmhouse near Hyderabad on Wednesday for allegedly trying to lure four TRS MLAs with offers of money, important positions and contracts. The TRS leaked the audio of purported conversation between Swamiji and Pilot Rohit Reddy, the TRS MLA who tipped-off the cops about the attempt to buy him and three other MLAs.

BJP general secretary B L Santhosh and ‘No. 2’ figured in the conversation, which was also joined by Nanda, and took place before the accused met four TRS MLAs at the farmhouse. Swamiji is heard telling Reddy that once the ‘bulk’ is ready, A Santosh can come to Hyderabad to finalise it. He said that Santosh had gone to Ahmedabad with ‘No. 2’. Swamiji also assured the MLA that the Centre will give full protection. “It is our responsibility to take care of you. When you are under our scanner, you don’t have to worry, including from ED to the income tax. We have good experience in Bengal.”