The prolonged legal ordeal of retired IPS officer and former Additional Director General of Police AB Venkateswara Rao (IPS:1989:AP) has finally concluded with a decisive court victory. The Andhra Pradesh government has dropped all further proceedings against him following a High Court order that quashed both the FIR and the chargesheet filed by the state’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
In an official order dated July 16, 2025, issued by Chief Secretary K Vijayanand (IAS:1992:AP), the state confirmed that the case against Rao—filed under charges including criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act—has been closed in compliance with the High Court’s decision.
The FIR and subsequent chargesheet, originally submitted before the Special Judge for SPE & ACB Cases in Vijayawada, were both nullified by the High Court after a criminal petition was filed by Mr. Rao. After considering the matter, the state government chose not to pursue a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court, effectively ending all departmental and legal proceedings. The Director General of Police has been instructed to implement the decision.
Case History of AB Venkateswara Rao
1. Political Shift & Immediate Transfer (May 2019)
Rao’s troubles began with the change of government in Andhra Pradesh. On May 30, 2019, the day YS Jagan Mohan Reddy took over as Chief Minister, Rao—then a senior IPS officer who served as Intelligence Chief under the TDP government—was transferred without posting. The move was seen as a purge of officers associated with the previous regime.
2. First Suspension & ACB FIR (February 2020)
On February 8, 2020, the ACB registered an FIR alleging irregularities in the procurement of aerostats and UAVs from Israel during Rao’s tenure as Intelligence Chief. The charges cited violations of procurement rules and misuse of official position. Rao was suspended and a chargesheet was later filed.
3. Litigation Reaches Supreme Court (2020–2022)
Rao challenged the suspension before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). As the suspension extended beyond the legal two-year limit under Rule 3(1) of the All India Service (Discipline & Appeal) Rules without any departmental inquiry, the case reached the Supreme Court. On April 22, 2022, the apex court ruled in Rao’s favour, declaring him “deemed reinstated” from February 8, 2022.
4. Posting Before Retirement (June 2022)
The state government reinstated Rao and posted him as Commissioner of Printing, Stationery & Stores Purchase on June 14, 2022, just ahead of his scheduled retirement.
5. Second Suspension (June 28, 2022)
Barely two weeks after his return, Rao was suspended again, this time under Rule 3(3), with the government accusing him of attempting to influence witnesses in the pending criminal case. He was also barred from traveling outside Vijayawada.
6. Tribunal Quashes Suspension Again (May 2024)
Rao again moved the CAT, which in May 2024 quashed the second suspension and ordered his reinstatement with full pay and posting. The Andhra Pradesh High Court declined to stay the Tribunal’s order, observing that further delay would cause Rao undue hardship.
7. Retirement with Dignity (May 31, 2024)
In compliance with judicial directions, the state government reinstated Rao and posted him again as Commissioner of Printing on the morning of May 31, 2024—the day of his retirement. He retired with full rank, salary, and official honours that evening.
8. Final Closure of ACB Case (July 2025)
On July 16, 2025, the Andhra Pradesh High Court quashed the FIR and chargesheet against Rao, citing insufficient grounds under charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption. The state accepted the ruling and decided against appealing further, formally closing the case.
Rao’s case is now seen as a significant example of prolonged legal persecution, countered by procedural justice and judicial intervention at multiple levels—from the CAT to the Supreme Court and finally the High Court. With the state government finally closing the chapter, A.B. Venkateswara Rao exits public life with his name officially cleared.
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