The installation of Mr. Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government in Andhra Pradesh has brought challenging times for at least 16 IPS officers. Since Naidu assumed office as Chief Minister in June 2023, several officers have faced career stagnation, with some suspended and others awaiting postings for months.
These officers are believed to be facing repercussions for their perceived loyalty to the previous government led by Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). Four officers, including Mr. N. Sanjay (1996-batch Andhra cadre IPS officer), have been suspended, while others remain in limbo.
In an unprecedented move, three IPS officers, including a DGP-rank officer, were suspended in September 2023. The suspended officers include:
- Mr. P. Seetharama Anjaneyulu (1992-batch Andhra cadre IPS officer), former DGP (Intelligence).
- Mr. Kanthi Rana Tata (2004-batch Andhra cadre IPS officer), former Commissioner of Police, Vijayawada.
- Mr. Vishal Gunni (2010-batch Andhra cadre IPS officer), former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Vijayawada.
The suspensions were linked to allegations of misconduct in a case involving model actor Ms. Kadambari Jethwani over a disputed land deal.
Other officers awaiting postings include:
- Mr. PV Sunil Kumar (1993-batch Andhra cadre IPS officer), former CID chief.
- Dr. Kolli Raghuram Reddy (2006-batch Andhra cadre IPS officer), is known for his close ties with Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
- Mr. G. Pala Raju (2005-batch Andhra cadre IPS officer).
- Mr. Anburajan KKN (2011-batch IPS officer), former SP of Kadapa.
- Mr. Y. Rishanth Reddy (2016-batch Andhra cadre IPS officer), former SP of Chittoor.
- Mr. Babujee Attada (2011-batch Andhra cadre IPS officer), former SP in intelligence.
- Mr. P. Joshua, former SP of Chittoor.
The ruling TDP has justified its actions, citing alleged misuse of police machinery during the previous YSRCP regime. However, this has raised concerns about law-and-order management, with even Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Pawan Kalyan expressing alarm over the state’s rising crime rates, particularly crimes against women.
The situation highlights the deep political divide in Andhra Pradesh, where bureaucrats are caught in the crossfire of shifting political allegiances and governance priorities.
