HYDERABAD: Telangana Police have submitted a counter affidavit opposing the anticipatory bail plea filed by former intelligence chief Prabhakar Rao in connection with the phone tapping case. In the affidavit, police claimed that Rao played a central role in the surveillance operation.
The Public Prosecutor argued in court that Prabhakar Rao was instrumental in setting up the Special Operations Team (SOT) within the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) and that it operated directly under his supervision.
SOT Used for Targeted Phone Tapping
According to the Public Prosecutor, the SOT was primarily tasked with phone tapping. He alleged that the team targeted opposition leaders, certain government officials, businessmen, and real estate developers. The intercepted information was allegedly used to intimidate and extort money from these individuals.
The prosecutor further stated that Rao, while serving as Officer on Special Duty (OSD), facilitated illegal promotions for certain officers using forged documents. Despite retiring as an IPS officer, he has failed to cooperate with the legal investigation, the court was told.
Interpol Red Notice and Bail Petition
The Public Prosecutor also informed the court that an Interpol Red Corner Notice had been issued against Rao, following which he approached the High Court seeking anticipatory bail. It was noted that although Rao had previously submitted a petition in the trial court expressing a willingness to return to Hyderabad, nearly nine months have passed without him coming back to India.
Arguing against the bail petition, the prosecutor urged the court to direct Rao to cooperate with the police investigation. The High Court adjourned the matter to 15 April for further hearing.
