Phone Tapping Probe: Supreme Court Grants Anticipatory Bail to Prabhakar Rao

The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted anticipatory bail to T. Prabhakar Rao , former chief of the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) in Telangana, who is a key accused in the controversial phone tapping case that has triggered a major political and legal debate in the state. A bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan passed the order, making permanent the interim protection earlier granted to Rao and disposing of his appeal.

While granting relief, the apex court made it clear that Rao must fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation and should not obstruct the chargesheet process . The court’s decision provides temporary relief from arrest but allows investigators to continue questioning him as the probe approaches its final stage.

During the hearing, Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra , appearing for the Telangana government , informed the court that the investigation is nearly complete and that authorities are preparing to file an additional chargesheet in the case. Rao’s counsel argued that the former intelligence chief had complied with all court directions and had cooperated with investigators whenever required. Rao approached the Supreme Court after the Telangana High Court rejected his anticipatory bail petition .

The case has witnessed several legal developments over the past year. In December last year , the Supreme Court directed Rao to appear before investigators and allowed custodial interrogation until December 25 . Following the completion of questioning, the court ordered his release on December 26 , while granting protection from coercive action until further hearings. The interim relief was subsequently extended until the matter was taken up again in March.

Earlier, in May last year , a Hyderabad court issued a proclamation order against Rao amid reports that he was abroad and had not appeared before investigators. The order required him to present himself before authorities in connection with the case.

The phone tapping case came to light after allegations surfaced that phones of several individuals were illegally intercepted during the tenure of the previous BRS government . Investigators suspect that surveillance was carried out without legal authorization , allegedly to gather intelligence for political advantage .

As part of the probe, Hyderabad police arrested a suspended DSP of the Special Intelligence Bureau and three other police officials in March 2024 . They were accused of conducting unauthorized phone interceptions and deleting sensitive intelligence data from electronic devices . All four officials were later granted bail.

Investigators also suspect that profiles and dossiers of several prominent individuals were secretly created , enabling authorities to track their communications and movements. With an additional chargesheet expected soon , officials believe more details about the alleged surveillance network and those involved could emerge in the coming weeks.