The Special Intelligence Branch (SIB) of the Telangana Police filed a criminal conspiracy case against Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Praneeth Rao for the alleged manipulation and destruction of intelligence data, as well as damaging official devices.
Praneeth Rao, who is believed to be close to former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), is accused of destroying official hard disks and other records after the state assembly election results on December 4, 2023, which dethroned KCR after Congress’s win.
The investigation revealed that Praneeth misused his official position while serving in the SIB, regularly copying intelligence information into his personal drives and keeping it under his custody.
After the election results, he allegedly turned off the cameras and destroyed old hard drives containing data gathered over decades.
Police sources stated that Rao destroyed the hard drives and CCTV cameras to avoid any criminal action against him and others and to destroy the evidence.
According to the FIR, Rao, while working in SIB, had two rooms exclusively for himself, unlike other teams, and operated with 17 systems issued to him. He also had an exclusive and dedicated leased line with an internet connection. Through this setup, he allegedly developed profiles of unknown persons and monitored them without authorisation.
The case against the officer was registered on a complaint filed by the Additional Superintendent of Police (SIB). Rao has been charged with Criminal Breach of Trust (IPC 409), Mischief Causing Damage (IPC 427), Destroying Evidence (IPC 201), Criminal Conspiracy (IPC 120B, R), Common Intention (IPC 34), and various sections of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act (PDPPA) and IT Act.
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