What Happened in the Telangana Phone Tapping Case? Ex-SIB Chief Released After Two Weeks of Custody
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Synopsis
In a significant development, former Telangana SIB chief T. Prabhakar Rao has been released after a two-week interrogation regarding the controversial phone tapping case. As investigations proceed, the implications for Telangana's political landscape could be profound.
Key Takeaways
- T. Prabhakar Rao was released after a two-week interrogation.
- The Special Investigation Team is set to report to the Supreme Court on January 16.
- Investigations focus on the motives behind Rao's appointment as SIB chief post-retirement.
- The case involves allegations of extensive surveillance of political opponents and others.
- Further developments may affect political dynamics in Telangana.
Hyderabad, Dec 26 (NationPress) T. Prabhakar Rao, the former chief of the Telangana Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) and key figure in the ongoing phone tapping scandal, was released by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Friday.
The ex-Indian Police Service (IPS) officer faced questioning from the SIT for a fortnight after the Supreme Court mandated his surrender. He was released from the Jubilee Hills Police Station.
The SIT plans to present its findings on Rao's custodial interrogation to the Supreme Court on January 16.
It remains uncertain whether the SIT will request additional custody of the accused.
The investigation team is probing why the then Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government appointed Rao as SIB chief post-retirement, suspecting nefarious motives behind this decision.
Rao was also interrogated regarding his numerous meetings with former minister Harish Rao, which he claimed were intended to inform him about threats posed by Maoists.
The SIT has documented statements from several key individuals, including the former Director General of Police Mahender Reddy, past intelligence heads Naveen Chand and Anil Kumar, and ex-Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar.
Rao allegedly reported directly to former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR).
On December 12, Rao surrendered to investigators a day after the Supreme Court ordered his custodial interrogation for a week.
As his police custody ended on December 18, authorities sought an extension, claiming Rao was uncooperative and withholding critical information.
A newly formed nine-member SIT, established on December 18, has also questioned other suspects, including former Task Force DCP T. Radha Kishan Rao, Additional SP Mekala Thirupathanna, and television channel owner N. Sravan Kumar.
Rao was interrogated alongside another accused, former DSP D. Praneeth Rao.
A relative of Rao, K. Nanda Kumar, implicated in the 'poachgate' case, along with others, has also faced questioning regarding questionable financial dealings.
In a related development, intelligence chief Vijay Kumar and Hyderabad Police Commissioner C. V. Sajjanar, who oversees the SIT, held discussions on future actions. This meeting gained traction amid reports that the SIT might call former Chief Minister KCR and ex-ministers K. T. Rama Rao and Harish Rao for interrogation.
The phone tapping scandal first emerged on March 10, 2024, when D. Ramesh, the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) of the SIB, filed a complaint accusing DSP D. Praneeth Rao of unlawful phone tapping.
On March 13, 2024, Praneeth Rao was arrested, leading to the discovery of a widespread surveillance initiative targeting various individuals, including political adversaries, business leaders, journalists, and even judges.
Authorities have charged six individuals in this case, including former SIB chief Rao, DSP Praneeth Rao, Additional SPs Thirupathanna and N. Bhujanga Rao, former DCP Radha Kishan Rao, and Sravan Kumar.
Rao is accused of orchestrating the illicit surveillance of several high-profile figures during the BRS administration, allegedly forming a specialized team within the SIB to monitor individuals opposing the BRS government.
Following the BRS's defeat in the 2023 elections, Rao resigned from his position and left for the US shortly before the case was initiated against him.
On May 29, 2025, the Supreme Court ordered the authorities to issue an emergency travel document for Rao's return.
According to a commitment made to the Supreme Court, Rao returned to India on June 8.
Point of View
The release of T. Prabhakar Rao underscores the complex dynamics at play within Telangana's political framework. The accusations surrounding illegal phone tapping signal serious concerns regarding privacy and governance, reflecting a broader narrative of accountability that resonates beyond state borders. As investigations continue, the outcomes may shape future political landscapes.
NationPress
26/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is T. Prabhakar Rao?
T. Prabhakar Rao is the former chief of the Telangana Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) and the main accused in the phone tapping case.
What is the phone tapping case about?
The case involves allegations of illegal phone tapping conducted by the SIB under Rao's leadership, targeting various individuals, including political opponents.
Why was Rao released?
Rao was released after two weeks of questioning by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), although it remains unclear if further custody will be sought.
What will happen next in the investigation?
The SIT is expected to submit its findings to the Supreme Court on January 16, which will determine the next steps in the case.
How did the phone tapping scandal come to light?
The scandal first emerged when an ASP of the SIB filed a complaint against a DSP for illegal phone tapping on March 10, 2024.
