Visakhapatnam: A retired IRS officer and former GST Commissioner, P. Anand Kumar, was allegedly abducted in Visakhapatnam on October 16, 2026, over a financial dispute. Police rescued him from a guest house within a few hours and arrested 10 people, while another accused remains absconding.
Retired IRS Officer P. Anand Kumar Abducted in Visakhapatnam
The incident took place late Friday night when P. Anand Kumar was travelling by car from Sai Priya Resort at Rushikonda towards the airport. When his vehicle reached the IT-SEZ area of Visakhapatnam, unidentified persons allegedly intercepted it, forcibly shifted him into another car and abducted him.
The incident prompted the P.M. Palem police to register a case and launch an investigation. The police subsequently formed special teams to identify the suspects, trace the victim’s location and secure his safe release.
According to the investigation, the abduction was allegedly linked to financial transactions between Anand Kumar and two of the accused. The suspects are alleged to have planned his abduction to pressure him into making an immediate payment.
How Police Rescued P. Anand Kumar Within Hours
The police investigation was led by special teams under P.M. Palem Circle Inspector Balakrishna and Arilova Circle Inspector Srinivas. Investigators examined CCTV footage from the surrounding areas and analysed mobile phone location data to identify the movements of the suspects.
These efforts led the police to a guest house in Visalakshi Nagar, where Anand Kumar was allegedly being held against his will.
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The police raided the premises, rescued the retired officer safely and apprehended 10 accused persons found there. The arrested individuals were subsequently produced before the court. One more accused remains absconding, and the investigation is continuing.
The police action brought the incident to a close within a few hours of the abduction, preventing the situation from escalating further.
Financial Dispute Behind the Alleged Abduction
According to the police investigation, the incident originated from financial transactions between Anand Kumar and two accused persons.
The prime accused, identified as Hemanth Kumar, allegedly enlisted the assistance of Kollu Sridhar, who is accused of arranging a group to carry out the abduction.
The accused allegedly contacted Anand Kumar’s wife and demanded immediate payment of money. They reportedly threatened to kill him if their demand was not met.
The investigation is examining the alleged roles of the accused and the circumstances surrounding the financial dispute. The allegations against the accused remain subject to the legal process.
Who Is P. Anand Kumar?
P. Anand Kumar is a retired Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of the 1997 batch of the Customs and Indirect Taxes cadre under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
During his nearly 29-year career in government service, he held several administrative positions in the indirect taxation system, including Commissioner-level assignments in GST and Central Excise.
He served as Commissioner of GST and Central Excise and held responsibilities involving customs, central excise, service tax, audit and appeals. His career also included an assignment as Director in the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs.
One of his last recorded active assignments was as Commissioner of Audit in Guntur under the Visakhapatnam zone.
His abduction has brought attention to the retired officer’s career and his long association with the country’s tax administration.
From SAIL to the Civil Services
Before joining the civil services, Anand Kumar began his professional career at the age of 24 as a personnel manager at the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
According to accounts of his career, his father, who worked as a district savings officer, influenced his interest in public service. He was also inspired by the visible impact of a deputy collector’s work and developed an ambition to join the civil services.
Kumar initially qualified for the Indian Police Service (IPS) during the 1996–97 examination cycle. However, he reportedly transitioned to the IRS following a technical disqualification that prevented his entry into the IPS.
He subsequently joined the IRS and went on to serve in several positions connected with indirect taxation and government administration.
Key Positions Held During His IRS Career
Over the course of his service, Anand Kumar held assignments in different departments and commissionerates, gaining experience in tax administration, audit and appellate work.
His notable postings included:
Director, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA): Served in a central government ministry dealing with overseas Indian affairs.
Additional Commissioner of Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax, Hyderabad: Held an administrative position covering key indirect taxation functions.
Commissioner, CGST Kutch Commissionerate, Gandhidham: Served in the central GST administration.
Commissioner, GST and Central Excise (Appeals), Chennai: Held an appellate assignment involving GST and central excise matters.
Commissioner of Audit, Guntur, Visakhapatnam zone: Handled audit-related responsibilities in one of his last recorded active assignments.
His career spanned several areas of indirect tax administration before his retirement.
Investigation Continues After Arrest of 10 Accused
The Visakhapatnam police have arrested 10 people in connection with the alleged abduction and produced them before the court. Another accused remains absconding.
The investigation centres on the financial dispute, the alleged planning and execution of the abduction, and the threats reportedly made to Anand Kumar’s wife to compel payment.
The case has drawn attention because the victim is a retired senior tax officer who served the Central Government for nearly three decades. The police rescue and arrests have brought the immediate incident under control, while further legal proceedings will determine the responsibility of the accused.
