The Andhra Pradesh state government has taken decisive action against senior IPS officer N. Sanjay, suspending him from his post following serious allegations of financial misconduct. The suspension, formalized through a government order (GO), comes after a detailed investigation by the state’s Vigilance and Enforcement (V&E) wing, which implicated Mr. Sanjay in the alleged misappropriation of ₹1 crore in public funds during his tenure as Director General of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Response and Fire Services.
The V&E investigation uncovered clear evidence suggesting an abuse of power while Mr. Sanjay was overseeing the fire services department. Although the full details of the alleged misappropriation remain under investigation, the seriousness of the accusations led the government to take swift action. According to the GO, a thorough review of the V&E reports revealed that Mr. Sanjay was the primary accused in the misappropriation of government funds, prompting his suspension pending a complete inquiry.
In addition to his role in the fire services department, Mr. Sanjay previously served as the head of the Andhra Pradesh Criminal Investigation Department (CID). His tenure included overseeing the arrest of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in September 2023. While this earlier role does not directly relate to the current allegations, it highlights Mr. Sanjay’s significant influence and responsibility within the state’s law enforcement.
The suspension was carried out under Rule 3(1) of the All-India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, which allows the government to suspend officers facing serious allegations while investigations are underway. The move reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability and signals a zero-tolerance approach to financial malfeasance within the state’s administration.
This suspension follows a series of similar actions within the Andhra Pradesh police force. In September 2023, the state government suspended three senior IPS officers, including a Director General-rank official, for their alleged involvement in the improper arrest of a Mumbai-based model. These actions underline ongoing efforts for reform and increased scrutiny within the state’s law enforcement system.
The investigation into Mr. Sanjay’s alleged misappropriation of public funds is ongoing, with further updates expected as the inquiry progresses. The outcome of this case could have significant ramifications not only for Mr. Sanjay’s career but also for the broader effort to combat corruption within the Andhra Pradesh government.