Achi news desk-
Last Updated: March 25, 2024, 10:07 pm IST
Representative Image (Photo Credits: iStock)
T Prabhakar Rao, who allegedly oversaw the illegal tapping of phones owned by opposition leaders during the previous BRS government led by K Chandrashekar Rao, is said to be currently in the US.
Former Telangana Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) chief T Prabhakar Rao has been identified as the prime accused in a phone tapping scandal that rocked the state ahead of the upcoming general election. Allegations suggest that he failed to “draw the line” in carrying out orders from the ruling party.
Currently, Rao, who allegedly oversaw illegal phone tapping of opposition leaders during the previous BRS government led by K Chandrashekar Rao, is reported to be in the US, NDTV reported.
Authorities have issued a watch notice for him and conducted searches at various locations, including his home in Hyderabad and the residence of Shravan Rao, the operator of Telugu TV channel I News.
Shravan Rao, who is believed to be abroad, is accused of helping install telephone tapping equipment (from Israel) and servers at a local school.
Another police officer, Radha Kishan Rao, who used to serve in the city task force, has also been linked, with authorities issuing a lookout notice for him. Several other police officers in Telangana are also under scrutiny in connection with the case.
Allegations against Prabhakar Rao were reiterated by suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police D Praneeth Rao and Additional Superintendents of Police N Bhujanga Rao and M Thirupatanna, who were arrested recently.
Police revealed that Bhujanga Rao and Thirupathanna had admitted to illegally monitoring private individuals and destroying evidence.
While Praneeth Rao, who was arrested earlier this month, faces charges of profiling individuals without authorization and monitoring their activities, as well as destroying computer systems and data on electronic devices.
The destruction of evidence is said to have been ordered by Prabhakar Rao, allegedly following the Congress’ victory over the BRS in the 2023 election.
The list of individuals said to be under surveillance includes Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, members of the BJP and Congress, and BRS associates of former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao. Allegations of surveillance on Telugu actors and businessmen have also surfaced, with reports of blackmail.
At least 30 police officers are expected to be investigated as the case progresses, with rumors circulating that a BRS leader could also be involved in the case, which could bring scrutiny to the former Prime Minister’s party just days before the election general.
Prabhakar Rao retired in June 2020 after 29 years of service, and in November last year, the BRS government had appointed him as OSD, Intelligence (SIB).
