T-Wallet app ownership row: Telangana govt accuses private firm of withholding data, Rs 14 crore; FIR filed

HYDERABAD: A controversy has erupted over ownership of T-Wallet App, the official digital wallet of Telangana. Electronic Service Delivery (ESD) wing of information technology, electronics & communication (ITE&C) has accused a private entity of dishonouring contractual obligations and lodged a criminal complaint claiming that they are not being given access to T-Wallet app, despite the expiry of its contract. ESD alleged that there is a threat to 16 lakh registered users' data and Rs 14 crore funds.

Based on the complaint given by ESD, a criminal case was registered by Hyderabad's Central Crime Station (CCS) on Wednesday against Transaction Analysts India Pvt Ltd (TAIPL) and others under Sections 316(2) (Criminal breach of trust), 318(4) (Cheating) of BNS and relevant section of the IT Act.

T-Wallet platform was launched in 2017 by the Telangana govt as a state-owned digital payment ecosystem intended to facilitate cashless transactions and delivery of citizen-centric services across the state. TAIPL had secured the work contract to develop and maintain the T-Wallet application.

Subsequently, the maintenance contract was periodically renewed in favour of TAIPL. On Oct 14, 2024, administrative approval was given and a committee was constituted by govt to oversee tender process. In 2025, a new tender was floated. After technical and financial evaluation, Purview India Consulting and Services LLP was declared as the successful bidder.

As per the complaint of ESD, TAIPL did not hand over the user data and other infrastructure besides Rs 14 crore.

"Under the agreement, TAIPL was entrusted with critical responsibilities, subject to strict contractual and statutory obligations, including maintenance of secure systems and mandatory transfer of all data, source code, and digital assets to ESD or its authorised agency upon expiry or termination. It is further submitted that upon nearing expiry of the contract on May 31, 2025, govt initiated a fresh tender process," the complaint said.

"It is pertinent to state that even prior to expiry of the agreement, ESD initiated communications with TAIPL for smooth transition and handover of data and systems. Through emails, discussions and letters, it was clearly directed to TAIPL to transfer all user data, transaction records, wallet balances, source code and system credentials. However, the company has wilfully failed to comply with these lawful directions," the FIR said.

A final show-cause notice was also served on Nov 12, 2025, explaining about the fallouts, including penalty and blacklisting, for non-compliance.

"In blatant defiance, TAIPL responded vide letter dated Nov 19, 2025, taking an openly hostile and untenable stand by falsely denying the ownership and custodianship of ESD over the T-Wallet ecosystem and audaciously claiming exclusive proprietary rights over a govt-owned platform, thereby attempting to unlawfully appropriate public digital infrastructure," an ESD official alleged.

Fearing that the private company might migrate user data and balance money in wallet from T-Wallet to its privately owned TA One App, ESD officials sought police intervention.

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