Former chief of the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) of Telangana, T. Prabhakar Rao, the prime accused in the state’s telephone tapping case, is reported to have sought political asylum in the United States.
According to reports, Prabhakar Rao has filed a petition with the U.S. government requesting recognition as a political refugee.
In his petition, he alleged that the Telangana government has been harassing him in connection with the phone-tapping case.
Prabhakar Rao stated that he held a key position in the Telangana government until last year but claims the new administration is politically targeting him.
He also cited severe health issues as a contributing factor to his plea for asylum.
Rao reportedly informed U.S. authorities that he is currently residing with his son in Florida.
Due to his health condition and the alleged harassment from the Telangana government, he is seeking refugee status in the U.S.
It has been reported that Prabhakar Rao allegedly invested funds to obtain a green card in the U.S., aiming to avoid repercussions from the phone-tapping case.
Under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, individuals can secure a conditional green card for two years by investing between $500,000 (₹4.21 crore) and $1.05 million (₹8.85 crore).
Sources revealed that the Telangana police have proposed to the Ministry of External Affairs that Prabhakar Rao’s passport be revoked.
"Even though he has reportedly obtained a green card in the U.S., Prabhakar Rao is an accused in the phone-tapping case, which is considered a serious crime involving breaches of national security," the sources added.
Authorities have indicated that once a Red Corner Notice is issued, U.S. officials would extradite Prabhakar Rao to India, where the Hyderabad police would take necessary action against him.
