The Telangana Police have begun the process to bring back two accused in the high-profile phone-tapping case, including former Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) chief T. Prabhakar Rao, from the United States. The case also involves Sravan Kumar, the managing director of a private news channel.
Director General of Police (DGP) Jitender revealed that the request for Red Corner Notices (RCNs) is currently with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
“We have initiated the process, and it is with the CBI. The international process takes time due to its complexity. Having worked in the CBI, I understand that these cases often take years,” the DGP stated during a year-end press conference.
He further elaborated on the procedural challenges, noting that Interpol, which issues RCNs, follows stringent standard operating procedures.
The phone-tapping allegations surfaced in March this year under the previous BRS government, following the arrest of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Praneeth Rao. The complaint was lodged by his superior, D. Ramesh, Additional SP with the SIB.
Prabhakar Rao is alleged to have formed a covert team within the SIB, consisting of trusted aides, including Praneeth Rao. The team reportedly conducted surveillance on rival political leaders, their families, dissidents within the ruling party, businessmen, journalists, and judges.
So far, six individuals have been named in the case. Among those arrested are DSP Praneeth Rao, Additional SPs Thirupathanna and Bhujanga Rao, and former Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) P. Radha Kishan Rao.
In recent developments, the police questioned former MLAs Jaipal Yadav and Chirumarthi Lingaiah regarding their involvement in the case.
The Telangana High Court, last week, reserved its decision on the bail plea of Bhujanga Rao, extending his interim bail until December 30. The public prosecutor argued against the plea, stating that the ailments cited by the accused were not severe enough to justify his extended time outside prison.
The High Court also granted interim bail to retired officer Radha Kishan Rao for four days to attend his father-in-law’s death anniversary rituals.
The Telangana Police remain focused on pursuing extradition and progressing the investigation in what has become one of the state’s most controversial cases.
