Did Telangana's Former Intelligence Chief Fail to Cooperate with Investigators?
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Synopsis
In an intriguing twist to the Telangana phone-tapping saga, the Supreme Court has mandated former intelligence chief T. Prabhakar Rao to provide his iCloud credentials to investigators. This pivotal move raises questions about accountability and transparency in the case as Rao insists on his cooperation amidst allegations of destruction of evidence.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court mandates cooperation from T. Prabhakar Rao.
- Allegations of illegal surveillance during BRS rule.
- Importance of transparency in investigations.
- Concerns over destruction of evidence.
- Need for accountability in public office.
New Delhi, Oct 14 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events regarding the alleged phone-tapping scandal in Telangana, the Supreme Court has instructed former state police intelligence chief T. Prabhakar Rao, who is implicated in the case, to supply the accurate ID and password for his iCloud and other cloud storage accounts to the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
A bench consisting of Justices B. V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan mandated that Prabhakar Rao reset and enable the password in the presence of forensic experts whenever summoned by the SIT.
The apex court further ordered Rao to disclose all relevant information to the investigative team.
Representing himself through his lawyer, Prabhakar Rao claimed to have forgotten his iCloud account password, which he stated is quite old, but he agreed to reset it under the supervision of forensic experts.
This instruction was issued during the hearing concerning the state's request to lift the order that granted Prabhakar Rao temporary protection from arrest. The bench has since extended this protection until the next hearing.
Prabhakar Rao is identified as a principal suspect in the case related to purported phone tapping during the ruling period of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the state, asserted that the lack of cooperation from Prabhakar Rao has hindered progress in the investigation. He informed the court that the accused had formatted his devices, which led to the destruction of essential electronic evidence.
On the contrary, Prabhakar Rao’s attorney, DS Naidu, refuted claims of non-cooperation, stating that his client has provided all information except for the password to his personal iCloud accounts.
The court learned that investigators possess Prabhakar Rao’s devices and that he has been summoned 11 times and interrogated for 18 hours.
The former head of the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) denied allegations of erasing data from his devices, asserting that departmental computer experts had deleted information according to standard security protocols.
Prabhakar Rao faces accusations of facilitating illegal surveillance on numerous notable individuals during the BRS administration. He allegedly formed a specialized team within the SIB to intercept communications of those opposing the BRS government.
This alleged misconduct reportedly involved tapping the phones of Congress and BJP leaders, entrepreneurs, celebrities, journalists, civil society members, and even judges.
The allegations surfaced in March 2024 following the arrest of former Deputy Superintendent of Police D. Praneeth Rao, instigated by a complaint from his superior.
Subsequently, authorities arrested retired Deputy Commissioner of Police P Radha Kishan Rao along with additional superintendents of police N Bhujanga Rao and M. Thirupathanna.
Following the BRS's defeat in the 2023 elections, Prabhakar Rao resigned from his position and departed for the US just prior to the initiation of the case against him.
On May 29, 2025, the Supreme Court directed officials to arrange an emergency travel document for Prabhakar Rao to facilitate his return.
This directive was issued in response to a petition from Prabhakar Rao, contesting the Telangana High Court’s dismissal of his anticipatory bail request.
The bench also prohibited police from taking any coercive actions against Rao until further notice.
According to an assurance given to the Supreme Court, Prabhakar Rao returned to India on June 8.
Point of View
I emphasize that the ongoing developments in the Telangana phone-tapping case highlight the necessity for transparency and accountability in our institutions. The Supreme Court's directive is a vital step towards ensuring that justice is served, and all parties involved are held accountable for their actions. It is crucial that we remain vigilant and support the rule of law in such high-profile cases.
NationPress
25/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Telangana phone-tapping case about?
The Telangana phone-tapping case involves allegations that former intelligence officials illegally monitored the communications of several prominent individuals during the BRS government.
Who is T. Prabhakar Rao?
T. Prabhakar Rao is a former state police intelligence chief accused in the Telangana phone-tapping case.
What did the Supreme Court order regarding Prabhakar Rao?
The Supreme Court ordered Prabhakar Rao to provide his iCloud ID and password to the Special Investigation Team and cooperate with the investigation.
What are the implications of this case?
The case raises significant concerns about privacy, governance, and accountability in public office, especially regarding the misuse of surveillance powers.
How has Prabhakar Rao responded to the allegations?
Prabhakar Rao has claimed he forgot his iCloud password and asserts he has cooperated with investigators, except for providing the password.
