Prabhakar Rao Released After SIT Custodial Inquiry in Phone Tapping Case

The custodial interrogation of former SIB chief Prabhakar Rao, the key accused in the alleged phone tapping case, concluded on Wednesday. Following the completion of the inquiry, SIT officials conducted medical examinations at a government hospital and released him from Jubilee Hills Police Station in the early hours of Thursday. As per Supreme Court directions, his custody, which was extended till December 19, officially came to an end.

Prabhakar Rao had surrendered at Jubilee Hills Police Station on December 12 and was questioned for 14 days by the nine-member Special Investigation Team led by Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar. During the final phase of the investigation, the SIT also questioned co-accused Praneeth Rao, Bhujanga Rao, Radhakishan Rao, and Tirupathanna separately to gather crucial information related to the case.

Sources indicate that when questioned about his reappointment as SIB chief after retirement, Prabhakar Rao reportedly stated that the matter should be addressed to former Chief Minister KCR. He also clarified that his frequent communication with Harish Rao was due to security concerns, citing threats from Maoists. Additionally, he is said to have informed the SIT that he reported directly to the Chief Minister’s Office rather than to senior officials during his tenure.

Meanwhile, senior officials including Intelligence Chief Vijay Kumar and SIT Chief Sajjanar conducted a detailed review meeting on Thursday night to assess the progress of the investigation. Discussions reportedly included the possibility of issuing notices to prominent individuals, with further deliberations expected before a final decision is taken.