Vijayawada: In a significant legal development, the Andhra Pradesh government has officially dropped all further proceedings against retired IPS officer A.B. Venkateswara Rao, former Additional Director-General of Police (Intelligence). The move comes after the Andhra Pradesh High Court quashed the FIR and chargesheet filed against him by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
Case Quashed by High Court
The High Court, acting on a criminal petition filed by Rao, ruled that the FIR and chargesheet lacked legal validity, prompting the state to cease pursuing the case further. The charges had included serious allegations under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code – including 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 420 (cheating), 409 (criminal breach of trust) – as well as provisions under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
G.O. RT No.1334: Government Formally Ends Proceedings
In its official notification (G.O. RT No.1334), Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand stated that in light of the court’s decision, the case is no longer valid. The government has also decided not to pursue a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court.
DGP Directed to Enforce the Decision
The Director-General of Police (DGP) has been instructed to implement the government’s decision, thereby bringing an end to all departmental and legal proceedings against Rao, who had long contested the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
Background of the Case
IPS Rao was booked by the Anti-Corruption Bureau in a high-profile case relating to alleged irregularities during his tenure. The case had remained under scrutiny and sparked debate within administrative and political circles. With the High Court now clearing his name, the former top cop has been vindicated legally.
