Amaravati: Senior IPS officer under suspension in AP

Amaravati: The AP government has suspended a senior IPS officer A.B Venateswara Rao, in the rank of Director General of Police for his alleged violation of Conduct Rules, on Saturday.

The officer, who played a crucial role in the State Intelligence Department during the regime of former CM N Chandrababu Naidu, allegedly indulged in a scam which led to a threat of national security.

Highly placed sources in the Government have revealed with The Hans India that, Venkateshwara Rao colluded with M/s RT Inflatables Pvt. Ltd., an Israeli Defence equipment manufacturer to illegally award critical intelligence and surveillance contract to his son, Chetan Sai Krishna, CEO, M/s Akasam Advanced Systems Pvt. Ltd. (primary bidder on behalf of M/s RT Inflatables Pvt. Ltd.)

That proved a direct corelation between the accused officer and a Foreign Defence Manufacturing Firm thus establishing a direct breach of ethical code of conduct and Rule (3) (a) of All India Service (Conduct) Rules, 1968, explained the sources.

While placing him under suspension, the Chief Secretary Nilam Sahwney stated in the GO MS No 18 that, "The action of A.B. Venkateswara Rao, IPS (AP-1989), in the process of procurement of security equipment, while he was working as Additional Director General of Police is serious misconduct".

She further stated that, "Therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 3 (1) of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, the Government of AP hereby place him under suspension in public interest with immediate effect, pending initiation of disciplinary proceedings".

Another serious allegation on the officer is, "Venkateshwara Rao willfully disclosed intelligence protocols and procedures of Police to Foreign Defence manufacturing firm. This is a direct threat to National Security as Intelligence protocols are standard throughout the Indian Police Force. Based on facts uncovered via investigation, Prima Facie evidence is established on the grave misconduct and irregularities, which were willfully committed by the accused officer resulting out of conscious & premeditated act of treason towards the State and Nation". It was explained by the sources.

Further, it was alleged that the actions of the accused officer could critically hamper the security situation of the State. "Use of sub-standard equipment by Police Force may put them in a dangerous situation. Access to State secrets. Potential monopoly over all future procurements of AP police due to access to insider information. This act was willfully done for pecuniary gain involving his son by raising a proxy company to make monetary gains", it was suspected by the investigating officials.

The technical committee purposefully did not include any person from relevant technical background, leading to improper or poor technical due diligence, it was another allegation on the officer. Investigating sleuths have unearthed that, "The technical specifications and contract requirements such as AMC and warranty period were downgraded on purpose to allow incompetent bidders to qualify. All other companies participating in the bid lacked technical credentials & relevant experience and are suspected as dummy participants created for the purpose of rigging the tender process."

Further, it was found that, "The tender was launched without releasing RFP or EoI. Technical evaluation criteria was not fixed purposefully. Mandatory and essential licenses required from MHA, MoD, BCAS, DGFT, DGCA, Wireless Planning & Regulations, DoT etc. were not procured. Technical committee did not partake in any live demonstration of the equipment. Copies of Purchase Order seem to be purposefully misplaced." This comes under the procedural irregularities in the overall process, stated the authorities.

The willful disregard towards remarks of senior officers was also found, during the investigation. It was learnt that, "During technical presentation, the then Addl. DGP, CID and OPNS have sought certain clarifications on technical, financial, licensing and procedural aspects, which were not complied with, fully. The then ADGP, OPNS vide letter dated 19.12.2018 also raided certain points which were ignored".