Hyderabad: Former SIB chief Prabhakar Rao surrenders before SIT in phone-tapping case

Former SIB chief T. Prabhakar Rao surrendered before the Jubilee Hills Police following Supreme Court directions in the alleged phone-tapping case. The SIT has begun questioning him and is expected to submit a progress report to the apex court by December 19.

Hyderabad: In a significant development in the alleged phone-tapping case, former Special Intelligence Branch (SIB) chief T Prabhakar Rao surrendered before the Jubilee Hills Police on Friday.

Following the directions of the Supreme Court, Rao appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing the alleged illegal surveillance operations.

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According to officials, the SIT has begun questioning Rao, and investigators believe his interrogation may unveil crucial details about the planning, execution, and extent of the phone-tapping network. His surrender marks a turning point in a case.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court directed Rao to immediately surrender and fully cooperate with custodial interrogation.

The apex court also set clear guidelines to ensure his safety during custody, instructing the SIT not to use any third-degree methods or inflict physical harm.

Considering his age, the bench asked the investigators to treat him with dignity and allow him to receive food from home.

The apex court scheduled the next hearing for December 19, by which time the SIT is expected to report progress in the investigation.
With the former intelligence chief now in custody, officials expect the probe to pick up pace.