Guntur, Andhra Pradesh: A significant case has been registered by the Andhra Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) against 1996 batch senior IPS officer P. Joshua, YSRCP leader Vidadala Rajini, and several others, following allegations of extorting over Rs 2.2 crore from a stone-crushing business owner during the previous YSRCP regime, police confirmed on Sunday.
The extortion allegedly occurred under the pretext of vigilance inspections carried out during the tenure of former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. According to the police, the stone-crushing business owner in Edlapadu, Guntur district, was coerced into paying the hefty sum after a series of demands and an “unauthorized” inspection.
The investigation revealed that Rajini’s assistant, A.D. Ramakrishna, initially demanded Rs 5 crore from the business owner, which was followed by an inspection led by IPS officer Joshua a month later. Following these actions, the business owner reportedly paid Rs 2.2 crore to the accused.
As a result, the ACB has filed charges under multiple sections, including the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), specifically Sections 7 and 7A, and Sections 384 and 120B of the Indian Penal Code, which relate to bribery, criminal conspiracy, and intimidation.
The accused have been identified as follows:
- Accused No. 1: Vidadala Rajini (YSRCP leader)
- Accused No. 2: P. Joshua (Senior IPS officer)
- Accused No. 3: V. Gopi (Rajini’s husband)
- Accused No. 4: A.D. Ramakrishna (Rajini’s assistant)
The case is under investigation, and authorities are expected to take further action based on the findings. This incident has drawn attention to the alleged misuse of power by prominent political and police figures within the previous administration.
