Thu Jun 19 16:56:03 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**Former Intelligence Chief Grilled in Phone Tapping Scandal**

**HYDERABAD, INDIA – June 19, 2025** – T. Prabhakar Rao, the former chief of the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB), faced intense questioning for nine hours today by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the high-profile phone tapping case. This marks the second time Rao has been interrogated this month, following his return from the United States. He was previously questioned by West Zone police on June 11th. He is scheduled to appear again for further interrogation on Friday, June 20th.

Investigators are focused on Rao’s role in alleged unauthorized surveillance operations during his tenure as SIB head. Sources close to the investigation report that Rao has stated he “acted only on instructions,” though he has not revealed the source of those instructions.

Rao returned to Hyderabad earlier this month after a Supreme Court directive granted him protection from arrest if he cooperated with the investigation. He had been residing abroad for several months, citing health concerns, despite a case being filed against him by the Panjagutta police over a year ago.

The phone tapping scandal surfaced following the arrest of former SIB Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Praneeth Rao on March 13, 2024. Praneeth Rao was arrested after a complaint alleged that he illegally intercepted phone calls of political figures and government officials. The investigation continues to unfold, with the focus now heavily on the potential involvement of higher authorities.

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