Former Telangana SIB Chief Directed to Surrender in Phone-Tapping Case

The Supreme Court has ordered T Prabhakar Rao, former Telangana SIB chief, to surrender to police in a phone-tapping investigation. Accused of misusing intelligence resources for political purposes, Rao is being compelled to submit his iCloud data. Previously, the Telangana High Court dismissed Rao's anticipatory bail plea.

The Supreme Court has directed former Telangana Special Intelligence Bureau chief T Prabhakar Rao to surrender to police by 11 am on Friday in connection with a phone-tapping case. This directive is aimed at further probing Rao's alleged involvement in unauthorized surveillance activities.

According to the court, Rao can have home food and medication while in custody. The court also took note of state submissions claiming Rao was withholding his iCloud data. Although granted temporary protection from coercive action, Rao's plea for anticipatory bail was previously rejected by the Telangana High Court.

Rao and other accused are suspected of using intelligence resources for political gains, carrying out illegal surveillance, and erasing electronic evidence. With a proclamation order looming, Rao risks being declared a 'proclaimed offender' with potential asset seizure if he fails to comply with court directives by June 20.

(With inputs from agencies.)