Vijayawada: In a significant development in Andhra Pradesh's law enforcement, senior IPS officer P Sitarama Anjaneyulu was arrested on April 22, 2025, for his alleged role in the harassment and wrongful arrest of Mumbai-based actress Kadambari Jethwani. Anjaneyulu, who previously served as the intelligence chief during the tenure of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, has been under suspension since September 2024 due to the ongoing investigation.
The arrest was executed by the Andhra Pradesh Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Hyderabad, after which Anjaneyulu was taken to the CID office in Vijayawada for further questioning. He stands accused of misusing his official position to facilitate the "illegal" arrest of Jethwani and her parents, allegedly acting on instructions from Kukkala Vidyasagar, a senior leader of the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).
This case has garnered considerable attention not only due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved but also because of its politically sensitive implications. According to the CID, Anjaneyulu played a pivotal role in orchestrating the arrest, which stemmed from a complaint filed by Vidyasagar in February 2024. The complaint accused Jethwani of forging documents and unlawfully selling a property in Jaggaiahpet, located in Krishna district.
However, investigations revealed that the allegations were part of a broader conspiracy linked to a land dispute. Jethwani has claimed that Vidyasagar fabricated the land documents to frame her, leading to her wrongful arrest. Following her capture by Andhra Pradesh police, Jethwani and her family reportedly spent over 40 days in judicial custody before being granted bail.
Upon their release, Jethwani lodged a formal complaint against Anjaneyulu and other officials involved, prompting the previous government led by N Chandrababu Naidu to initiate disciplinary actions against the accused officers. The CID has since identified six individuals as accused in this case, including Kukkala Vidyasagar (A1), P Sitarama Anjaneyulu (A2), former Vijayawada Police Commissioner Kanti Rana Tata (A3), former Vijayawada West Zone ACP Hanumanth Rao (A4), former Ibrahimpatnam inspector Satyanarayana (A5), and IPS officer Vishal Gunni (A6).
Notably, three of these officers, including Anjaneyulu, Kanti Rana, and Vishal Gunni, have already faced suspension due to their involvement in the case. The allegations against Anjaneyulu suggest that he acted unilaterally, exerting undue influence over the investigation and the subsequent arrest of the actress.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has previously questioned the CID regarding the delay in Anjaneyulu's arrest, despite clear indications of his involvement in the harassment case against Jethwani. This scrutiny reflects the ongoing concerns regarding the integrity of the police force and the potential misuse of power by senior officials.
The ramifications of this case extend beyond individual accountability, as it raises broader questions about the politicization of law enforcement in Andhra Pradesh. Observers note that the involvement of high-ranking officials in such allegations could undermine public trust in the police and the judicial system.
As the CID continues its investigation, the political landscape in Andhra Pradesh remains tense. The YSRCP government, already under scrutiny for various issues, faces additional pressure to ensure that justice is served in this high-profile case. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for the party's reputation and its standing with the electorate.
In light of these developments, it is crucial for both the public and the authorities to remain vigilant about the potential for misuse of power within the police force. The case against Anjaneyulu serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in law enforcement, particularly when political interests are at stake.
As the situation unfolds, the focus will remain on the CID's handling of the case and the actions taken against those accused of misconduct. With calls for justice echoing from various quarters, the hope remains that the investigation will lead to a fair resolution, ensuring that such abuses of power are addressed decisively.
Ultimately, the case of P Sitarama Anjaneyulu and Kadambari Jethwani underscores the complex interplay between politics and law enforcement in Andhra Pradesh, as well as the need for ongoing reforms to protect the rights of individuals against wrongful actions by those in power.
