In a significant development in the ongoing phone-tapping investigation, former Special Intelligence Branch (SIB) chief T Prabhakar Rao today surrendered before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) at the Jubilee Hills police station.
His surrender came in compliance with the Supreme Court's latest directive, which revised its earlier interim order protecting him from arrest.
A bench comprising Justice B V Nagarathna and Justice R Mahadevan had instructed Rao to present himself before the investigators and cooperate fully with the custodial interrogation.
The court also issued safeguards, directing that no third-degree methods or physical violence be used, and that Rao be treated respectfully, considering his age. He has also been permitted to receive meals from home.
The SIT is expected to question him extensively, with key disclosures likely in the politically charged case.
The court has posted the next hearing for December 19.