The Chandrababu Naidu government takes decisive action, suspending senior IPS officer N. Sanjay for alleged misconduct linked to his role during the YSR Congress regime. Investigations reveal accusations of corruption, bid rigging, and misuse of office, intensifying the political clash in Andhra Pradesh.
By PC Bureau
The Chandrababu Naidu regime struck back on Wednesday against those involved in executing his predecessor’s orders to arrest him in a corruption case.
On Tuesday, the state government suspended senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and Additional Director General of Police N. Sanjay for violating conduct rules. The General Administration Department issued an order placing the officer under suspension under Rule 3(1) of the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969.
During the previous YSR Congress Party regime, Sanjay, as the CID Chief, oversaw investigations into the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation scam and the Amaravati Inner Ring Road alignment case. These investigations culminated in the arrest of N. Chandrababu Naidu, who was then the Leader of the Opposition and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President.
The 1993-batch IPS officer faced allegations of irregularities during his tenure as Director General of State Disaster Response and Fire Services. He was directed not to leave headquarters while the investigation proceeded.
After the TDP-led NDA’s electoral victory, Sanjay was transferred and instructed to report to the DGP’s office. Subsequently, the new government ordered the Vigilance and Enforcement (V&E) Department to investigate allegations against him.
The V&E Department’s findings revealed that Sanjay had misused his official position to authorize a ₹1 crore payment to Sautrika Technologies and Infra Private Ltd., despite the lack of significant progress in the assigned work. Additionally, he was accused of bid rigging and favoritism in awarding tenders.
The Vigilance report recommended criminal action against the company and disciplinary proceedings against Sanjay under the Central Services Conduct Rules.
The TDP-led coalition government also transferred several senior IPS officers, including DGP-rank officials P.S.R. Anjaneyulu and P.V. Sunil Kumar, Additional DGP N. Sanjay, IGPs Kanthi Rana Tata, G. Pala Raju, and K. Raghuram Reddy, as well as DIG-rank officials R.N. Ammi Reddy, Ch. Vijaya Rao, and Vishal Gunni. These officers were either transferred by the Election Commission during the polling process or by the TDP-led alliance after assuming power in June.
Most of these officers were not given postings and were instructed to report to the DGP’s office. Some faced allegations of targeting TDP leaders, including Chandrababu Naidu, during the YSR Congress Party’s tenure.
