Telangana phone tapping case: Ex-SIB Chief returns to India, Set to face SIT

New Delhi: The Telangana phone-tapping scandal took a significant turn with the return of T. Prabhakar Rao, the former chief of the Special Intelligence Branch (SIB), to India. Rao, a key figure in the ongoing investigation, landed at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad on [Date], concluding a 15-month absence in the United States. His delayed return was attributed to complications in obtaining a new passport.

The Supreme Court, having previously issued summons, mandated Rao’s appearance before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) within three days of his arrival in India. He has confirmed his intention to appear before the SIT on Monday.

The SIT investigation centres on allegations of unlawful phone interception of several high-profile political leaders and officials. The scandal initially surfaced in March 2024 following the arrest of former SIB DSP Praneeth Rao by Punjagutta Police. The arrest stemmed from a complaint filed by Additional SP D Ramesh, alleging that Rao had illegally intercepted calls. Further investigation revealed a broader network of alleged surveillance, linking it to the SIB under the leadership of Prabhakar Rao.

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The investigation suggests that a team operating out of a Hyderabad school building was involved in tapping the phones of rival politicians, potentially in an attempt to gain an electoral advantage in the run-up to elections.

The SIT has prepared a detailed questionnaire for Prabhakar Rao, drawing upon information gathered from previous arrests and interrogations. Several senior police officers, including N Bhjang Rao, P Radhakrishna Rao, G Praneeth Rao, and M Tirupathi Anna, have already been questioned by the SIT. The SIT’s focus remains on uncovering the full extent of the operation and those involved.

Prabhakar Rao’s cooperation with the investigation is expected to be crucial in bringing clarity to the multifaceted scandal. The ongoing investigation continues to attract significant public attention, highlighting concerns about misuse of power and the erosion of privacy.