SIT completes custodial interrogation of Prabhakar Rao in phone tapping case

Hyderabad: The Special Investigation Team completed the custodial interrogation of former SIB chief Prabhakar Rao in the phone tapping case and released him from Jubilee Hills police station in the early hours of Friday, officials said.

After the custody period ended on Thursday, SIT officials took Prabhakar Rao to a government hospital for medical examinations. They later released him from the police station, confirming that formal procedures were completed.

The SIT will submit its detailed report on the phone tapping case to the Supreme Court on January 16. Acting on directions from the apex court, authorities had extended Prabhakar Rao’s custody from December 19 until Thursday.

Prabhakar Rao had surrendered at the Jubilee Hills police station on December 12. Following his surrender, a nine-member SIT led by senior IPS officer V C Sajjanar interrogated him for 14 days as part of the ongoing probe.

On the final day of custody, the SIT summoned co-accused Praneeth Rao, Bhujanga Rao, Radhakishan Rao and Tirupathanna. Investigators questioned each of them separately and gathered crucial information related to the case, sources said.

SIT questions reporting structure in phone tapping case probe

During questioning in the phone tapping case, SIT officials asked Prabhakar Rao about his reappointment as SIB chief after retirement. Sources said he told investigators that the decision should be addressed to K Chandrashekar Rao.

Officials also questioned him about his frequent communication with Harish Rao. Prabhakar Rao reportedly told the SIT that security concerns prompted the contact. He cited alleged Maoist threats as the reason for these interactions.

Sources further said Prabhakar Rao informed investigators that he reported directly to the Chief Minister’s Office. He did not route reports through senior officers in the department, they added.

Meanwhile, senior officials reviewed the SIT’s progress after the 14-day custody period ended. Intelligence chief Vijay Kumar held a meeting with SIT chief Sajjanar and team members to assess the investigation.

During the review, officials discussed the possibility of issuing notices to prominent individuals linked to the case. Sources said authorities may hold another meeting before taking a final decision on further action.