Allegations Unraveled: Deputy Superintendent Praneeth Rao Apprehended for Evidence Tampering at SIB
In a startling turn of events, the Panjagutta police have taken Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Praneeth Rao, formerly of the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB), into custody for his alleged involvement in tampering with evidence and breaching trust during his tenure at the crime records bureau of the SIB.
Praneeth Rao, also known as D. Praneeth Kumar, previously stationed at the District Crime Records Bureau (DCRB) within the SIB, finds himself embroiled in a legal quagmire. The charges against him include criminal breach of trust, criminal trespass, tampering with evidence, and criminal conspiracy, as per official statements.
Authorities executed the arrest late Tuesday night at Praneeth Rao’s residence in Srinagar Colony, Rajanna-Sircilla district. Following his apprehension, he was promptly transported to the Panjagutta Police Station for interrogation, during which his statement was recorded. Law enforcement officers have seized his phone, which has been dispatched to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for further examination. Of particular interest to investigators are the contents of allegedly destroyed hard disks, believed to hold crucial evidence pertinent to the case.
The legal proceedings against Praneeth Rao stem from a complaint filed by D. Ramesh, the Additional Superintendent of Police (SP) at the SIB. Ramesh has raised concerns over conduct, citing a pattern of suspicious behavior during his tenure as both an Inspector and later as DSP at the SIB from 2018 to 2023.
According to Ramesh’s complaint, Praneeth Rao abused his official authority by illicitly copying intelligence data onto personal storage devices, potentially in collusion with unidentified accomplices. To cover his tracks, Praneeth Rao purportedly orchestrated the destruction of crucial information by dismantling equipment and erasing data, particularly on the night of December 4, 2023, coinciding with the Telangana Assembly Elections.
The FIR filed against Praneeth Rao invokes several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including breach of trust, criminal trespass, tampering with evidence, and criminal conspiracy. Additionally, charges have been levied under the Prevention of Destruction of Public Records Act (PDPP Act) of 1984 and relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act (ITA), pertaining to data tampering and unauthorized access.
As the legal saga unfolds, the arrest of DSP Praneeth Rao sends shockwaves through the law enforcement community, underscoring the imperative of upholding integrity and accountability within the ranks of authority.
