3 senior IPS officers suspended over ‘harassing’ actor-model Kadambari Jethwani
In a case that has captured significant public attention, the Andhra Pradesh government has suspended three senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers for their alleged involvement in the wrongful arrest and harassment of actor-model Kadambari Jethwani. The officers in question—former Intelligence Chief P. Sitharama Anjaneyulu (Director General rank), former Vijayawada Police Commissioner Kranti Rana Tata (Inspector General rank), and former Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishal Gunni (Superintendent rank)—were suspended after an inquiry revealed misconduct and abuse of power.
Background: Harassment Allegations
The controversy erupted when Kadambari Jethwani, a Mumbai-based actor-model, accused the officers of conspiring with K.V.R. Vidyasagar, a YSR Congress Party leader and film producer, to frame her in a forgery and extortion case. She filed a formal complaint with NTR Police Commissioner S.V. Rajasekhar Babu, alleging that the officers had acted without a proper investigation and wrongfully detained her and her elderly parents.
Illegal Detention and Family Humiliation
Jethwani stated that her family was humiliated, taken into custody, and unlawfully detained for over 40 days. The police reportedly failed to follow due process by arresting them without prior notice or an opportunity to file a bail plea. Her advocate, N. Srinivas, further alleged that Vidyasagar had fabricated land documents to target Jethwani, with the police cooperating in the harassment.
Disciplinary Action and Government Response
The officers’ suspension followed a government inquiry, which found “prima facie evidence” of grave misconduct. According to the inquiry, P. Sitharama Anjaneyulu had ordered Jethwani’s arrest on January 31, despite the First Information Report (FIR) being registered only on February 2. The inquiry uncovered severe lapses in protocol, leading to the officers’ suspension.
The suspended officers were part of a group of 16 IPS personnel already facing scrutiny and were ordered to report to the Director General of Police’s office without any official posting.
Kadambari Jethwani’s Reaction
Kadambari Jethwani welcomed the suspension as a crucial step toward justice, highlighting the psychological toll the harassment took on her and her family. She emphasized the need for accountability in the police system and urged the government to prevent future abuses of power.
Public and Media Reactions
The case has sparked widespread outrage, with human rights activists and legal experts demanding stricter enforcement of police accountability. Public discourse around the misuse of political influence in law enforcement has intensified, with calls for a judicial overhaul to ensure that civilians are protected from such abuses.
Related Links
- Andhra Pradesh Government Order on Officer Suspension: Read the full suspension order
- Kadambari Jethwani’s Official Statement on the Case: Kadambari Jethwani’s Instagram Statement
- Police Accountability in India: Current Laws and Challenges: Understanding Police Reforms in India
- YSR Congress Party’s Official Response to Allegations: YSRCP Official Statement
Resources
- Indian Penal Code (IPC) – Understanding legal provisions for wrongful detention and police misconduct: Read IPC Sections on Police Misconduct
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) – Filing a complaint about police harassment: NHRC Official Website
- Supreme Court of India Judgments – Previous cases on police misconduct: Supreme Court Archives
- Legal Aid for Police Misconduct Cases – Services provided by non-profit organizations: Indian Legal Aid Foundation
Recommended Assets
- Interactive Timeline of the Case: A visual representation of key events leading up to the suspension, showing the timeline of allegations, arrests, and legal proceedings.
- Infographic on Police Accountability: Visual guide explaining how the Indian legal system handles police misconduct, including steps for citizens to file complaints.
- Video Interviews with Legal Experts: Discussions with prominent legal experts on the implications of the case and the role of police reform in India.
- Podcast: An audio discussion featuring Kadambari Jethwani’s lawyer and activists discussing wrongful arrests and the impact on public trust in law enforcement.
Conclusion
This case serves as a reminder of the need for integrity, accountability, and transparency in India’s law enforcement. The suspension of high-ranking IPS officers sends a clear message that misconduct will not be tolerated, regardless of rank. As the inquiry continues, the public will be closely watching the outcome, hoping for justice and systemic reforms to prevent similar cases in the future.
Author: Digital Kumkum
HI ITS DIGITAL KUMKUM
