Will Telangana's Former SIB Chief T. Prabhakar Rao Finally Face the SIT?
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Synopsis
Former SIB chief T. Prabhakar Rao, involved in a significant phone tapping case, is expected to appear before the SIT this week after a prolonged absence. This case involves the alleged surveillance of prominent figures during the BRS government. Will his return bring clarity to the ongoing investigation?
Key Takeaways
- T. Prabhakar Rao is expected to appear before the SIT this week.
- He has been living in the U.S. for 14 months amidst serious allegations.
- The Supreme Court has mandated the return of his passport.
- His case involves illegal surveillance under the previous government.
- The investigation is crucial for restoring public trust in governmental institutions.
Hyderabad, June 1 (NationPress) The former Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) chief of Telangana, T. Prabhakar Rao, who is a significant suspect in the ongoing phone tapping investigation and has reportedly been evading law enforcement for a year, is anticipated to meet with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) within this week.
This retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, who has spent the last 14 months in the United States, is expected to return as per directives issued by the Supreme Court last week.
Reports indicate that Prabhakar Rao has informed the SIT of his intention to present himself on June 5.
The retired officer has assured the Supreme Court that he will come back to India promptly after being issued a one-time entry passport and will fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
The investigation team is optimistic about making significant advancements in the case concerning the alleged surveillance of telephones belonging to politicians, journalists, businessmen, and even judges during the tenure of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government.
On May 29, the Supreme Court mandated that authorities return Prabhakar Rao's passport to facilitate his return to India.
Furthermore, the Apex Court instructed Prabhakar Rao to submit an affidavit asserting that he would return to India within three days upon receipt of the passport or travel document.
A bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma delivered the order following a petition from Prabhakar Rao, which contested the Telangana High Court's dismissal of his anticipatory bail request.
The bench also prohibited law enforcement from taking any coercive actions against Rao until further notice.
Prabhakar Rao's legal counsel informed the court that he required special permission to travel back to India due to the suspension of his passport.
The court heard that he departed for the U.S. following the registration of an FIR against him, after which he was declared an absconder, resulting in the revocation of his passport.
His lawyer asserted that Prabhakar Rao has faced relentless pursuit from the current Telangana government and pointed out that a red-corner notice has been issued against him.
Recently, the Nampally criminal court in Hyderabad issued proclamation orders against Prabhakar Rao for dodging legal proceedings for more than a year.
While leading the SIB during the BRS administration, Prabhakar Rao has been labeled an absconder by the SIT investigating this case.
It is alleged that he formed a team within the SIB comprising trusted aides, including Praneeth Rao, to surveil opposing political figures, their families, dissidents within the ruling party, as well as journalists and judges.
These allegations surfaced in March of the previous year after the arrest of Deputy Superintendent of Police Praneeth Rao, following a complaint from his superior, D. Ramesh, Additional SP with the SIB.
To date, the police have identified six individuals as suspects in this case, with arrests made including Praneeth Rao, Additional SPs Thirupathanna and Bhujanga Rao, and former DCP P. Radha Kishan Rao.
Point of View
It is essential to view the ongoing situation with T. Prabhakar Rao through an unbiased lens. The allegations of phone tapping and surveillance raise critical questions about governmental accountability and the protection of individual rights. As this case unfolds, it will be vital to ensure that all actions taken are transparent and justified, reflecting the principles of justice and integrity that our nation stands for.
NationPress
30/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is T. Prabhakar Rao?
T. Prabhakar Rao is the former chief of the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) in Telangana and a key suspect in a phone tapping case.
Why is T. Prabhakar Rao in the news?
He is in the news due to his anticipated appearance before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) after allegedly evading arrest for over a year.
What are the allegations against him?
Prabhakar Rao is accused of being involved in the illegal surveillance of politicians, journalists, businessmen, and judges during the previous government.
What does the Supreme Court say about his passport?
The Supreme Court ordered the return of Prabhakar Rao's passport to allow him to return to India and cooperate with the investigation.
What could be the implications of this case?
This case could shed light on the misuse of power and the importance of safeguarding individual rights in the face of governmental authority.
