AP govt drops charges against Retd IPS Officer ABV

The Andhra Pradesh government has dropped all charges against retired IPS officer AB Venkateswara Rao, concluding a prolonged legal and administrative dispute. A Government Order (GO) issued by Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad cited insufficient evidence to sustain allegations of procedural lapses and misuse of authority during Rao’s tenure as Director General of Intelligence.
The allegations, initiated under the previous government, concerned alleged irregularities in procuring surveillance equipment. However, after a detailed review, the current government found no grounds to continue disciplinary proceedings. The GO highlighted limitations under retirement rules and referenced a Supreme Court judgment that discouraged prolonged departmental inquiries, citing mental distress and erosion of public trust.
The Advocate General and the Law Department advised against further inquiry, stating that it would serve no purpose. The government instructed the Director General of Police to implement the decision, affirming Rao’s exoneration.
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