The Telangana High Court on Friday dismissed a petition filed by retired IPS officer T. Prabhakar Rao seeking protection from arrest in the high-profile telephone tapping case. Justice J. Sreenivas Rao delivered the verdict, denying anticipatory bail and reinforcing the legal pursuit of Rao, who is currently absconding and residing in the United States.
Rao, considered the central figure in the case, is accused of orchestrating illegal phone surveillance during the previous BRS government’s tenure. His passport has been revoked by the central government, and INTERPOL has issued a red-corner notice for his detention. In his petition, Rao had claimed he was willing to cooperate with authorities if allowed to return without facing immediate arrest.
The case originated in December 2023, shortly after the Congress government came to power in Telangana. A complaint lodged with Punjagutta police in Hyderabad alleged that phone tapping was conducted under directives from influential political figures in the earlier administration. Four police officers were arrested, and based on their statements, Rao—who served as the head of the Special Intelligence Branch (SIB) during that period—was named the primary accused.
Investigations revealed that Rao allegedly oversaw unauthorized interception of phone communications, continuing his duties even after retirement through an official extension.
During Friday’s hearing, Senior Advocate Sidharth Luthra, representing the prosecution, argued against granting pre-arrest bail, stating that Rao’s custodial interrogation was essential to uncover the full extent of the illegal surveillance operation. Public Prosecutor Palle Nageshwar Rao also emphasized that Rao’s cooperation was vital to the investigation’s progress.
In contrast, Rao’s legal counsel, Senior Advocate T. Niranjan Reddy, cited the former officer’s deteriorating health, including a cancer diagnosis, as grounds for bail. However, the bench questioned why Rao accepted an extension in a sensitive position despite his claimed medical condition, and noted his failure to appear before investigators.
The court’s decision has intensified legal pressure on Rao, who remains a fugitive. Meanwhile, co-accused Shravan Kumar Rao, a media professional, returned to India after securing interim protection from arrest through a Supreme Court order.
As the investigation unfolds, the case continues to draw public and political attention due to its far-reaching implications and the involvement of high-ranking officials.
