Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government has ordered a regular inquiry into allegations against retired IPS officer K Raghuveer Reddy ((SPS:2016) related to events during the 2024 general assembly elections. At the time, Reddy was serving as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Kurnool district.
The inquiry stems from a complaint by the Election Commission of India (ECI) that accused Reddy of permitting a political rally involving film star Allu Arjun, potentially creating law and order issues on a day when then-opposition leader and current Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu was also campaigning in the same region.
Controversial Rally by Film Star Allu Arjun Under Scrutiny
The controversy centers around a political rally led by Allu Arjun, who campaigned in Nandyala in support of Silpa Ravichandra Reddy, a YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) candidate in the 2024 assembly elections. The rally was reportedly allowed by then-SP Raghuveer Reddy, despite prior knowledge that N Chandrababu Naidu was scheduled to hold a political tour in the same area on the same day.
The Election Commission had registered a case against Reddy, citing concerns that the overlapping political events could cause disturbances and unrest, potentially violating the Model Code of Conduct in place during elections.
Chief Secretary Issues Government Order for Formal Inquiry
On Thursday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K Vijayanand issued Government Order RT No. 1476, formally appointing Intelligence IG PHD Rama Krishna as the inquiry authority. The officer has been directed to conduct a regular inquiry into the charges under Rule 8(2) of the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969.
Further, Anantapur Range DIG Dr Shemushi has been designated to represent the state government before the inquiry authority and assist with presenting the case.
Inquiry to Be Completed Within Prescribed Timeframe
As per the government order, the inquiry officer has been instructed to submit the probe report within a stipulated time frame. The focus will be on examining whether Raghuveer Reddy violated any service conduct rules or misused his position by facilitating a potentially volatile political event during a sensitive electoral period.
The incident adds to the growing list of post-poll controversies in Andhra Pradesh, particularly surrounding alleged administrative lapses and political bias among officials during the fiercely contested 2024 elections.
