Vijayawada: The state govt has dropped all charges against retired IPS officer AB Venkateswara Rao, marking the conclusion of a prolonged legal and administrative dispute. A government order (GO) issued on Saturday by chief secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad formalised the decision, citing “insufficient evidence” to sustain the allegations.
Rao, who served as director general of intelligence, faced allegations of “procedural lapses” and “misuse of authority” in the procurement of surveillance equipment during his tenure. The previous YSRCP govt initiated disciplinary proceedings, alleging irregularities in the acquisition process. However, after a detailed review, the NDA govt determined that the evidence did not substantiate the claims. The GO stated that further inquiry into the allegations against a retired officer was unlikely to yield new findings, as the disciplinary proceedings had already reached a conclusion.
The GO also noted the limitations imposed by retirement on disciplinary actions under the All India Services (discipline & appeal) Rules, 1969, and the All India Services (death-cum-retirement benefits) Rules, 1958. Once an officer retires, disciplinary actions are largely restricted to issues concerning pensionary benefits. In this case, the inquiry did not recommend withholding or recovering such benefits, the GO mentioned.
The decision also referenced a Supreme Court judgment in a similar case, where the apex court highlighted that keeping a senior govt official under investigation for extended periods could “cause undue mental distress and damage public confidence in the administration”. The GO further directed DGP Dwaraka Tirumala Rao to take necessary follow-up action to implement the decision.
Rao, who served as director general of intelligence, faced allegations of “procedural lapses” and “misuse of authority” in the procurement of surveillance equipment during his tenure. The previous YSRCP govt initiated disciplinary proceedings, alleging irregularities in the acquisition process. However, after a detailed review, the NDA govt determined that the evidence did not substantiate the claims. The GO stated that further inquiry into the allegations against a retired officer was unlikely to yield new findings, as the disciplinary proceedings had already reached a conclusion.
The GO also noted the limitations imposed by retirement on disciplinary actions under the All India Services (discipline & appeal) Rules, 1969, and the All India Services (death-cum-retirement benefits) Rules, 1958. Once an officer retires, disciplinary actions are largely restricted to issues concerning pensionary benefits. In this case, the inquiry did not recommend withholding or recovering such benefits, the GO mentioned.
The decision also referenced a Supreme Court judgment in a similar case, where the apex court highlighted that keeping a senior govt official under investigation for extended periods could “cause undue mental distress and damage public confidence in the administration”. The GO further directed DGP Dwaraka Tirumala Rao to take necessary follow-up action to implement the decision.