Why is the ACB questioning IPS officer N. Sanjay for three days?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Intensified questioning of IPS officer N. Sanjay by the ACB.
- Allegations include financial misconduct and misappropriation of funds.
- Sanjay's suspension and ongoing investigations signal a serious stance against corruption.
- The case could have wide-reaching implications for law enforcement accountability.
- Involvement of the Supreme Court highlights the legal complexities of the matter.
Vijayawada, Sep 4 (NationPress) The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has persisted in its interrogation of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer N. Sanjay for a third consecutive day regarding allegations of misappropriation of government funds.
On Thursday, ACB officials continued their questioning after being granted a three-day interrogation period by the ACB Special Court on Monday.
Investigators are delving into accusations of financial misconduct, including issues related to the misappropriation of funds and procedural violations during Sanjay's service across multiple divisions of the police.
Sanjay, a 1996-batch IPS officer, previously held the position of Director General (DG) of the A.P. State Disaster Response & Fire Services and served as Additional DG of the Crime Investigation Department (CID).
He faces allegations of manipulating tender processes for the contracts associated with the development and maintenance of the AGNI - NOC (Governance & NOC Integration) web portal and mobile application, as well as supplying hardware to a private company in breach of procedural norms in 2023.
Furthermore, it is alleged that Sanjay directed the purchase of certain equipment without inviting tenders, and the ACB is investigating claims regarding improper payments to private enterprises and project executions.
On August 26, Sanjay surrendered to the ACB Court in compliance with directives from the Supreme Court, which subsequently remanded him to judicial custody for a duration of 15 days.
The Supreme Court had previously annulled the anticipatory bail that the Andhra Pradesh High Court had granted to him, citing his potential flight risk as negligible due to his position as an IPS officer.
The state government lodged a Special Leave Petition with the Supreme Court, contesting the High Court's decision. The Supreme Court criticized the reasoning behind the granted bail and ordered Sanjay to surrender within three weeks.
During the prior administration of the YSR Congress Party, Sanjay led investigations into cases tied to the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation scam and the alignment of the Amravati Inner Ring Road against the former Leader of the Opposition and current TDP President N. Chandrababu Naidu, resulting in Naidu's arrest and nearly two months of imprisonment.
After Naidu took office as Chief Minister in June 2024, following the TDP-led NDA's electoral win, Sanjay was reassigned to report to the DGP's office.
The coalition government has also initiated a probe by the Vigilance & Enforcement (V&E) Department into the allegations against Sanjay. The findings of the Vigilance report prompted recommendations for legal action against him under the Central Services Conduct Rules.
On December 4, the government suspended Sanjay, and on December 24, the ACB filed a case against him for the alleged misuse of funds.