Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government has formally relieved suspended IPS officer Pootla Venkata (P.V.) Sunil Kumar, a 1993-batch Indian Police Service officer, from service upon attaining the age of superannuation on June 30, 2026. However, the government has made it clear that his retirement will not affect the disciplinary and criminal proceedings currently pending against him.
In an official order, the state government stated that while Sunil Kumar stands relieved from service due to retirement, all ongoing departmental and legal proceedings initiated before his superannuation will continue in accordance with the relevant provisions of the All India Services (AIS) rules.
Government Issues Formal Retirement Order
The decision was communicated through G.O. Rt. No. 1274, issued by Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad.
The order states that P.V. Sunil Kumar is being relieved from service with effect from June 30, 2026, on attaining the age of superannuation. At the same time, it emphasizes that the retirement is being allowed without prejudice to the disciplinary and criminal proceedings pending against him.
The government further clarified that all actions related to his retirement and post-retirement benefits would be governed by the provisions of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, along with other applicable regulations.
Departmental Proceedings to Continue After Retirement
The Andhra Pradesh government has specifically directed that disciplinary proceedings initiated against Sunil Kumar before his retirement shall continue and be concluded as per the provisions of:
- All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969
- All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958
This means that his retirement will not automatically close any departmental inquiries or disciplinary actions that were initiated during his service tenure.
The order reinforces the principle that government servants facing serious allegations can continue to be subjected to disciplinary proceedings even after retirement if the cases were initiated before superannuation.
Pension Benefits Linked to Outcome of Proceedings
The government has also clarified that Sunil Kumar’s pensionary benefits will be regulated under Rule 16 of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958.
Under these provisions, pension and retirement benefits may be subject to review depending on the outcome of disciplinary or judicial proceedings.
The order notes that his retirement benefits will also be governed by any additional instructions issued by the Government of India from time to time regarding AIS officers facing departmental or criminal proceedings.
The Director General of Police (DGP) has been directed to take all necessary follow-up action in the matter.
Who Is P.V. Sunil Kumar?
P.V. Sunil Kumar is a prominent 1993-batch IPS officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre who served in several high-profile policing assignments during his distinguished career spanning more than three decades.
Born in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, he rose through the ranks of the Indian Police Service to occupy some of the most influential positions in the state’s law enforcement machinery.
Over the years, he held several important assignments and eventually reached the rank of Director General of Police (DGP).
Role as Andhra Pradesh CID Chief
Mr Kumar is best known for his tenure as the head of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Andhra Pradesh.
As CID chief, he supervised investigations into several politically sensitive and high-profile cases that attracted significant public and media attention.
His tenure placed him at the center of some of the state’s most consequential criminal investigations and political controversies.
Literary and Social Contributions
Apart from his policing career, Sunil Kumar has also been known for his literary interests and social activism.
He founded Ambedkar’s India Mission (AIM), an organization focused on social awareness and advocacy for the rights and empowerment of marginalized communities, particularly Dalits.
His writings and public engagements have often reflected themes related to social justice, constitutional values, and empowerment.
Suspension and Subsequent Controversies
The latter part of Sunil Kumar’s career became increasingly controversial.
In March 2025, the Andhra Pradesh government placed him under suspension over allegations related to unauthorized foreign travel.
The suspension marked a significant development in the career of one of the state’s most senior police officers.
SIT Probe and Legal Scrutiny
Sunil Kumar also came under legal scrutiny in connection with allegations surrounding the 2021 custodial torture case involving politician K. Raghu Ramakrishna Raju.
The matter was investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), adding to the challenges faced by the senior IPS officer during the final phase of his service.
The allegations and investigations generated considerable political and legal debate in Andhra Pradesh and drew national attention.
Retirement Does Not End Accountability
With his retirement now taking effect, the Andhra Pradesh government has signaled that accountability mechanisms will continue to operate irrespective of superannuation.
The continuation of disciplinary proceedings after retirement underscores the government’s intention to ensure that pending inquiries reach their logical conclusion in accordance with service rules and legal provisions.
The outcome of these proceedings could have implications for the final settlement of pensionary and retirement benefits available to the former IPS officer.
Read Also: Punjab DGP Appointment: UPSC Panel to Shortlist 3 IPS Officers; AAP Government to Make Final Choice
