Andhra Pradesh Government Suspends Senior IPS Officer for Unauthorized Foreign Visits

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The Andhra Pradesh government has suspended senior IPS officer and former CID chief P.V. Sunil Kumar for allegedly making unauthorized foreign visits in violation of the All India Service (AIS-Conduct) Rules, 1968. The DGP-rank officer, who has been waiting for posting, is placed under suspension under Rule 3 (1) of AIS (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, pending detailed inquiry. Orders to this effect were issued on March 2, and the officer has been directed not to leave the headquarters (Vijayawada) without prior permission. The alleged unauthorized foreign travels undertaken by the IPS officer raised serious concerns, and such tours were against the national security interests.

According to the government orders, Mr. Sunil Kumar had allegedly undertaken multiple foreign visits without obtaining prior permission from the government. In March 2024, the government had given him permission to visit Georgia, but the officer allegedly visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In September 2023, Mr. Sunil Kumar had visited Sweden allegedly without obtaining permission from the government. He had allegedly visited the U.S. unauthorizedly in February 2023. The IPS officer had allegedly visited the UAE in October 2021 and the U.K. in January 2020, in violation of the government orders. The official exhibited “gross negligence, indiscipline and grave misconduct” by undertaking foreign travels without obtaining requisite permission.

The government determined that there is sufficient prima facie evidence indicating that the officer demonstrated wilful disregard for established practices. The order said that IPS officers are required to obtain prior approval for all foreign visits, ensuring accountability, security compliance, and adherence to chain-of-command protocols, addressing potential security concerns and preventing conflicts of interest during foreign visits. As per the order, Sunil Kumar will remain under suspension with immediate effect, pending a detailed inquiry. His headquarters during the suspension will be Vijayawada, and he is not permitted to leave the city without prior government approval.

Here are the key points related to the suspension of the IPS officer: * The Andhra Pradesh government suspended senior IPS officer P.V. Sunil Kumar for allegedly making unauthorized foreign visits * The officer is placed under suspension under Rule 3 (1) of AIS (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, pending detailed inquiry * The alleged unauthorized foreign travels undertaken by the IPS officer raised serious concerns, and such tours were against the national security interests * The officer had allegedly undertaken multiple foreign visits without obtaining prior permission from the government, including visits to the UAE, Sweden, U.S., and U.K. * The government determined that there is sufficient prima facie evidence indicating that the officer demonstrated wilful disregard for established practices * The officer will remain under suspension with immediate effect, pending a detailed inquiry, and his headquarters during the suspension will be Vijayawada.

The suspension of the IPS officer is a significant development, and it highlights the importance of security protocols and adherence to established practices. The government's decision to suspend the officer pending a detailed inquiry is a clear indication that such violations will not be tolerated. The case is likely to have significant implications for the officer and the state government, and it will be closely watched in the coming days. The government's actions demonstrate a commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that officials are held accountable for their actions, and this is an important step in maintaining public trust and confidence in the government.