AP Government Grants Major Relief to Retired IPS Officer AB Venkateswara Rao

The Andhra Pradesh government has provided significant relief to retired IPS officer AB Venkateswara Rao. Known for his tenure as the head of the intelligence department, Rao had faced multiple allegations under the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government, including accusations of irregularities in the procurement of aerostat and UAV security equipment. These charges had led to his suspension and the withholding of benefits.

In 2020, the YSRCP government alleged that Rao was involved in malpractice during the equipment procurement process. The state government appointed an inquiry officer, and of the three charges filed, two were reportedly substantiated. Based on these findings, a recommendation was made to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to take disciplinary action, including withholding his increments and removing him from service. However, the Union government did not issue any directions in this regard.

Rao challenged these allegations through legal battles in the High Court, Supreme Court, and the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). On the eve of his retirement, the YSRCP government appointed him as the Director General of the Printing and Stationery Department, allowing him to retire in May 2023 after assuming these responsibilities.

After the current coalition government came to power, a fresh review of the allegations against Rao was conducted. The inquiry concluded that there was no substantive evidence to support the charges. Following consultations with legal advisors and the Advocate General, the government issued an order, signed by Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad, withdrawing all pending actions against Rao. This decision paves the way for him to receive all retirement benefits as per standard procedures.