The state government has issued orders regularising the suspension periods of retired IPS officer AB Venkateswara Rao, treating them as periods spent on duty. The decision makes him eligible for full pay and allowances for those periods.
AB Venkateswara Rao was suspended twice by the previous government. The first suspension, from 8 February 2020 to 7 February 2022, was linked to allegations of misconduct in the procurement of security equipment during his tenure as Additional Director General of Intelligence. However, the Supreme Court, in April 2022, ordered his reinstatement with effect from 8 February 2022.
The second suspension spanned from 28 June 2022 to 30 May 2024, following his implication in a criminal case. This suspension was challenged in the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), which quashed the orders in May 2024.
AB Venkateswara Rao retired from service on 31 May 2024, after serving as Commissioner, Printing, Stationery & Stores Purchases in Vijayawada.
After reviewing the matter, the government concluded that both suspension periods should be regularised. The first was resolved following the dropping of proceedings, while the second was deemed invalid by the CAT and upheld by the High Court. Invoking Rule 5 (B) (4) of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, the government ordered the regularisation and release of full pay and allowances. Adjustments will be made for subsistence and other allowances already paid, as per the Government Order.
Chief Secretary K Vijayanand has directed the Director General of Police to implement the decision and ensure the prompt payment of arrears to AB Venkateswara Rao.
