Did Former Telangana SIB Chief T. Prabhakar Rao Surrender Before the SIT?
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Synopsis
In a significant development, former Telangana SIB chief T. Prabhakar Rao has surrendered to the SIT amid a phone tapping investigation. This move follows a Supreme Court order allowing for custodial interrogation. With allegations of illegal surveillance on prominent figures, the case marks a crucial moment in Telangana's political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- T. Prabhakar Rao surrendered to the SIT for phone tapping allegations.
- The Supreme Court authorized a week-long custodial interrogation.
- Rao is accused of illegal surveillance of prominent individuals.
- Key figures arrested in connection to the case.
- The case raises serious questions about privacy and governance.
Hyderabad, Dec 12 (NationPress) T. Prabhakar Rao, the former head of Telangana's Special Intelligence Bureau, turned himself in to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Friday as they investigate a case concerning unlawful phone tapping. His surrender followed a directive from the Supreme Court, which occurred a day prior.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court granted permission for Rao's custodial interrogation lasting one week. A bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan ordered him to surrender for this purpose.
The justices emphasized that there should be no physical coercion or undue hardship during the interrogation. They also permitted Rao to receive meals from his home and to take necessary medications regularly.
This order was issued while deliberating on Rao's plea for anticipatory bail. Previously, the Supreme Court had instructed the SIB chief to provide accurate credentials for his iCloud and other cloud storage accounts to the investigative team.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlighted in court that Rao had only reset passwords for two out of five iCloud accounts. It was also revealed that he had disposed of data along with hard drives, discarding them in a river.
Rao's counsel, senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, stated that one of the accounts could not be reset since the associated US mobile number had been deactivated and could not be activated again. Kumar asserted that the data was deleted per official protocols, following the Review Committee's directive due to the sensitive nature of the information. He mentioned that minutes from the Review Committee's meeting on December 2, 2023, would substantiate this claim.
Prabhakar Rao is accused of facilitating the illegal surveillance of numerous prominent figures during the time the BRS party was in power. Allegedly, he organized a specialized team within the SIB to intercept communications of those opposing the BRS government.
This team purportedly monitored the phones of Congress and BJP leaders, as well as businessmen, celebrities, journalists, civil society members, and even judges.
The allegations surfaced in March 2024 when former Deputy Superintendent of Police D. Praneeth Rao was arrested following a report from his superior.
Subsequently, retired Deputy Commissioner of Police P. Radha Kishan Rao and additional superintendents of police N Bhujanga Rao and M. Thirupathanna were also taken into custody.
Following the BRS's electoral defeat in 2023, Prabhakar Rao resigned from his position and left for the US just before the case was registered against him.
The Supreme Court, on May 29, 2025, ordered authorities to facilitate an emergency travel document for Prabhakar Rao's return.
According to an undertaking provided to the Supreme Court, Prabhakar Rao returned to India on June 8.
Point of View
The unfolding situation surrounding T. Prabhakar Rao raises critical questions about privacy and surveillance in the political arena. As the investigation progresses, it reflects broader concerns regarding governmental overreach and the need for accountability among public officials. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic values.
NationPress
12/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the phone tapping case about?
The phone tapping case involves allegations that T. Prabhakar Rao orchestrated illegal surveillance on various prominent individuals while heading the Telangana SIB.
What did the Supreme Court rule regarding Rao's interrogation?
The Supreme Court allowed for a week-long custodial interrogation of Rao, ensuring no physical torture during the process.
What are the implications of this case on Telangana politics?
This case highlights concerns over governmental surveillance and accountability, potentially impacting public trust in political institutions.
