Phone tapping probe turns critical as top former officials likely to face questioning

Hyderabad: The ongoing investigation into the illegal phone tapping case in Telangana has reached a pivotal stage, with the probe team preparing to question several high-ranking former officials who served on the 2023 state review committee. These include the then Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (Home), Secretary (Law), and Secretary of the General Administration Department (GAD), all of whom allegedly had oversight over surveillance operations during the previous government’s tenure.

The scandal has already led to the arrest of a retired DCP, two additional DCPs, and a DSP. The primary accused, former OSD of the Special Intelligence Branch (SIB), Prabhakar Rao, remains absconding. Several arrested officers have reportedly pointed fingers at him, suggesting he orchestrated the surveillance without proper authorisation.

In his legal petitions, Prabhakar Rao claimed that all phone interceptions were done with the review committee’s consent and that all related data was destroyed lawfully in December 2023. However, with his whereabouts unknown, investigators are now focusing on verifying those claims by questioning the committee members directly.

The controversy centres on whether Rao, who was only an OSD post-retirement, overstepped his mandate by continuing to direct surveillance activities, including the tapping of phones belonging to political leaders and judges, far beyond the legal scope meant only for individuals suspected of Maoist or anti-national links. Official norms specify that only IG-rank officers or above can authorise phone interceptions.

Sources reveal that Prabhakar Rao was initially authorised to intercept calls for just seven days, yet his team allegedly continued surveillance well beyond this period. Investigators are now probing how the review committee allowed or overlooked these extensions.

Tensions are also reportedly rising among some of the former top officials. One key former bureaucrat is said to have strongly objected to being named for questioning and is believed to have criticised the investigating officer during a recent review meeting with senior Home Department officials. Rumours suggest the officer was asked to apologise, though another senior IPS officer at the same meeting defended the investigation, stating that the probe was being handled appropriately.

With questions mounting over how political surveillance was conducted and by whom, the investigation now pivots to whether the review committee knowingly authorised illegal activities or failed in oversight. The outcome of their questioning could significantly alter the trajectory of the high-profile case.