Former Intelligence Chief AB Venkateswara Rao Gets Breather from High Court

Retired IPS officer AB Venkateswara Rao received significant relief from the Andhra Pradesh High Court. It is known that during his tenure as Intelligence Chief, a case was registered against AB Venkateswara Rao during the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government, alleging corruption and irregularities in the procurement of security equipment tenders.

On Monday, the High Court conducted a hearing on the quash petition filed by AB Venkateswara Rao seeking to annul the case registered against him. The court has reserved its judgment on the matter. Additionally, the High Court has imposed a stay on proceedings in the Vijayawada ACB Court until it delivers its verdict.

The case against AB Venkateswara Rao was filed in March 2021, based on allegations of irregularities in the security equipment procurement tender process. In 2022, AB Venkateswara Rao filed a quash petition in the High Court seeking the dismissal of the case. Arguments on behalf of the petitioner were presented by advocate B. Adinarayana Rao.

In connection with this case, the previous YSR Congress Party government had suspended AB Venkateswara Rao. He fought a legal battle over the suspension from the High Court up to the Supreme Court. Following the orders of the apex court, the then government lifted his suspension and appointed him as the Additional Director General of the Printing and Stationery Department.

However, the day after he assumed charge, AB Venkateswara Rao was suspended again, prompting him to approach the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). Upon CAT’s cancellation of the suspension orders, the then government issued orders posting him as Additional Director General of the Printing and Stationery Department just one day before his retirement. AB Venkateswara Rao assumed charge and retired on the same day.