Telangana Phone Tapping Probe: Former Intelligence Head Questioned by SIT
In a major development in the ongoing Telangana phone tapping case, former Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) chief and retired IPS officer T. Prabhakar Rao appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Monday at the Panjagutta Police Station.
Hyderabad: In a major development in the ongoing Telangana phone tapping case, former Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) chief and retired IPS officer T. Prabhakar Rao appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Monday at the Panjagutta Police Station.
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Key Accused Returns to India After 14 Months
Rao, the prime accused in the high-profile surveillance scandal, returned to Hyderabad on Sunday night from the United States, where he had been staying for 14 months. His return follows a Supreme Court directive issued on May 29, which allowed him to travel back using an emergency travel document.
Case Background: Illegal Surveillance Under BRS Government
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The case, registered in March 2023, involves the alleged illegal tapping of phones belonging to:
- Opposition politicians
- Journalists
- Businessmen
- Even sitting judges
The surveillance was reportedly carried out during the tenure of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government, allegedly to monitor rival leaders, dissidents, and critics.
Accusations Against T. Prabhakar Rao
Rao is alleged to have:
- Led the SIB’s covert surveillance operations
- Formed a secret team that included Deputy SP Praneeth Rao and other loyal officers
- Ordered unauthorized phone interceptions and surveillance activities
He was declared an absconder, and the Telangana High Court had earlier dismissed his anticipatory bail petition, leading to the revocation of his passport and the issuance of a Red Corner Notice.
SIT’s Ongoing Probe: High-Profile Arrests and Interrogations
So far, the SIT has arrested four senior police officials, including:
- DSP Praneeth Rao
- Additional SPs Thirupathanna and Bhujanga Rao
- Former DCP P. Radha Kishan Rao
Their statements have reportedly provided crucial leads. Rao’s interrogation is expected to further unravel the network and planning behind the surveillance.
Supreme Court Intervenes, Bars Coercive Action for Now
The Supreme Court ordered that no coercive action be taken against Rao until further notice. He gave a written undertaking to the court, promising to cooperate fully with the investigation upon his return to India.
A bench of Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma allowed Rao to obtain an emergency travel document, criticizing the prolonged bureaucratic delays.
Political Fallout and Legal Drama Continue
The phone tapping scandal has triggered massive political tremors in Telangana. The SIT’s next steps in the investigation — including questioning of Rao and possibly others — are likely to shape the narrative further as public trust and political accountability come under scrutiny.
