HYDERABAD: Telangana police have reportedly approached the US Department of Homeland Security for the deportation of T Prabhakar Rao, the prime accused in the phone tapping case, through proper channels. He left the country a day after the case was registered at the Panjagutta police station in March 2024 and has remained abroad since.
It is believed that the US authorities have been informed that Prabhakar’s passport has been revoked and that he is now staying in the country illegally. Interpol has also issued a Red Corner Notice against him.
It may be recalled that Prabhakar had applied for political asylum in the US. To counter this, the government reportedly submitted a detailed report to the American authorities, outlining his alleged role in illegally tapping the phones of political leaders, high court judges and other prominent individuals.
Since the case was filed, Prabhakar has evaded investigation. He initially told the court he was undergoing surgery and would return within a few months, but he has now been out of the country for over 14 months.
Another accused in the case, Sravan Rao, also stayed in the US for about a year. He returned to India after the Supreme Court granted him anticipatory bail. He has since been questioned by the police, and a supplementary chargesheet is being prepared. Meanwhile, Sravan Rao has been arrested in a separate case registered by the Hyderabad CCS police.
Recently, Prabhakar approached the high court seeking anticipatory bail, but it was denied. Later, he moved the Supreme Court, where his petition is still pending.