Hyderabad: In a significant development in the high-profile phone tapping case that has rocked Telangana’s political circles, the state High Court has dismissed the anticipatory bail petition filed by former Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) chief Prabhakar Rao, the prime accused in the case.
The court rejected his plea on the grounds that granting bail could enable him to influence witnesses, echoing concerns raised by the police. Prabhakar Rao, who fled to the United States shortly after the case was registered, had filed the bail plea stating that he would cooperate with the investigation if granted relief.
The case stems from allegations that during the previous BRS government’s tenure, several individuals’ phones were illegally tapped. Prabhakar Rao, identified as a central figure in the operation, has been absconding since the case surfaced.
Police informed the court that Rao’s return to India was crucial for the investigation and argued that anticipatory bail would hinder the probe. The High Court agreed with the prosecution, concluding that the risk of evidence tampering and non-cooperation justified the denial of bail.
Authorities have intensified efforts to bring Rao back to India. His passport has already been cancelled, and lookout notices have been issued in coordination with immigration agencies. Despite these measures, his continued stay in the US has raised questions about whether he will voluntarily return to face legal proceedings.
With the High Court’s rejection of his bail plea, attention now turns to Prabhakar Rao’s next move – whether he will surrender and cooperate with authorities or remain overseas, evading Indian jurisdiction.
