Retired Top Cop Demands ₹1 Crore in High-Stakes Lawsuit
In a major development, decorated retired IPS officer A.B. Venkateswara Rao has issued a sweeping legal notice to a roster of high-ranking serving and retired officials, including two former Directors General of Police, and the State of Andhra Pradesh itself. The action seeks a staggering ₹1 crore in damages, citing a campaign of alleged malicious prosecution, unlawful suspension, and severe reputational harm that violated his fundamental rights.
This bold legal maneuver marks a critical escalation in Rao's protracted battle against what he claims are fabricated charges and systematic harassment. The notice, served under Section 80 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, formally puts the state and its officials on notice of an impending civil suit.
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Who is Named in the Legal Notice?
The list of recipients reads like a who's who of the state's law enforcement and administrative machinery, underscoring the gravity of the allegations. Key individuals put on notice include:
- D. Gautam Sawang: Former Director General of Police
- R.P. Thakur: Former Director General of Police
- Ravi Shankar Ayyanar: Director General of CID
- P.V. Sunil Kumar, P.S.R. Anjaneyulu, K. Raghurami Reddy: Senior IPS Officers
- Other officials from the CID, DGP's office, ACB, and the Chief Minister's Office.
The inclusion of the State of Andhra Pradesh, represented by its Chief Secretary, indicates that the lawsuit will target the government's institutional role in Rao's suspension and subsequent legal troubles.
The Core Allegations: A Pattern of Malice and Defamation
At the heart of the A.B. Venkateswara Rao legal notice are severe accusations of a coordinated effort to tarnish his career and reputation. The senior officer is claiming damages for a series of actions he deems illegal and motivated by malice.
The primary grounds for the lawsuit include:
- Malicious Prosecution: Allegations that cases were initiated against him without merit and with ulterior motives.
- Unlawful Suspension: Challenging the legality and procedural fairness of his suspension from service.
- Fabrication of Records: Claims that official documents were manipulated or created to build a false case against him.
- Defamation: Seeking compensation for the damage to his professional and personal reputation.
- Violation of Fundamental Rights: Citing a breach of his rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, which pertains to the protection of life and personal liberty.
This comprehensive legal challenge aims to hold specific officials accountable for their alleged roles in the actions taken against him. The demand for ₹1 crore in compensation reflects the perceived extent of the financial, professional, and emotional damages suffered by the retired officer.