Hyderabad: Former Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) chief T Prabhakar Rao, the prime accused in Telangana’s explosive phone tapping case, has suffered a major setback in his bid to evade Indian authorities. The US government has formally rejected his plea for political asylum, effectively clearing the path for his deportation.
According to official sources, Prabhakar Rao had filed a petition with US authorities on 29 November last year, claiming that the phone tapping case registered against him was politically motivated. Citing fears of persecution, he sought to be declared a political refugee. However, after examining the petition, the US government dismissed his claim outright, stating categorically that he would not be granted asylum under any circumstances.
This rejection comes as Prabhakar Rao faces mounting legal pressure in India. The Nampally court in Hyderabad has summoned him for a hearing on 20 June in connection with the phone tapping scandal. If he fails to appear, legal experts suggest he may be declared a proclaimed offender.
In a parallel development, efforts to bring Prabhakar Rao back to India have gained significant traction. The Interpol’s Red Corner Notice, issued against him on 10 March, is now being actively pursued by US authorities. Sources indicate that the US Department of Homeland Security has taken full charge of processing his repatriation.
Prabhakar Rao, who is believed to have fled the country shortly after the new government took charge in Telangana, is accused of overseeing an illegal surveillance network that allegedly tapped the phones of opposition leaders, journalists, and activists during the previous BRS regime. His continued absence has complicated the investigation, which is now entering a critical phase.
