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The Andhra Pradesh government has taken a decisive step in addressing an alleged case of wrongful arrest and confinement, suspending three senior IPS officers in connection with a complaint filed by Mumbai-based actor Kadambari Jethwani. The accused officers, former intelligence chief PSR Anjaneyulu, former Vijayawada police commissioner Kranti Rana Tata, and former Vijayawada deputy commissioner Vishal Gunni, were placed under suspension under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969. This action was initiated based on a thorough probe conducted by the Andhra Pradesh Police, following Jethwani's complaint.
Jethwani's complaint, lodged with the NTR District Police Commissioner in August, detailed a harrowing experience she and her father endured at the hands of these officers. She alleged that they were arrested and confined for three days in Vijayawada, despite the absence of substantial evidence. This arrest, according to Jethwani, was triggered by accusations of forgery and extortion levelled against her by YSRCP leader and film producer K V Vidyasagar Rao. The investigation revealed a concerning lack of due process in the arrest. The probe report indicated that officers Kranthi Rana Tata and Vishal Gunni proceeded with the arrest of the actor based on the purported directions of former intelligence DG Anjaneyulu, even before producer Vidyasagar Rao had formally filed a police complaint. This suggests a disregard for established procedures and a potential abuse of power by the officers.
The probe further found that the officers travelled to Mumbai and apprehended Jethwani on February 2, without any written orders or sufficient evidence to justify the arrest. They acted solely on verbal instructions, highlighting a serious breach of protocol and a disregard for the fundamental principles of law enforcement. The suspension of these officers serves as a strong message that the Andhra Pradesh government is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability within the police force. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to due process, gathering sufficient evidence before making arrests, and avoiding actions that could constitute an infringement of individual rights. By taking swift action against the accused officers, the government has demonstrated its determination to address allegations of misconduct and maintain public trust in its law enforcement agencies.