Retired Director General of Police P.V. Sunil Kumar has written to the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), urging urgent intervention over an alleged attempt to intimidate a witness and interfere with evidence in two ongoing CBI investigations linked to financial losses totalling over ₹1,185 crore. The letter, addressed from Amaravati on 1 August, names Andhra Pradesh Assembly Deputy Speaker Kanumuru Raghu Rama Krishna Raju as the individual allegedly behind the intimidation attempt.

The Alleged Intimidation Incident

Sunil Kumar's complaint references a report in a vernacular daily in which one Madala Srinivas filed a complaint with Pattabhipuram Police Station, alleging that Raghu Rama Krishna Raju attempted to kidnap him in connection with records sought by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO). Srinivas reportedly stated that he feared for his life. The cases against Raju were registered when he was a Member of Parliament, before he assumed the position of Deputy Speaker.

The Two CBI Cases at Stake

Sunil Kumar's letter draws attention to two pending CBI matters. The 2019 case involves alleged cheating, criminal breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy concerning public funds of ₹947.71 crore. The 2021 case relates to alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, use of forged documents, and criminal misconduct, with a stated financial loss of ₹237.84 crore. Sunil Kumar argues that any attempt to influence witnesses, suppress records, or tamper with evidence could critically undermine both investigations.

Legal Basis for the Demand

Invoking Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, Sunil Kumar pointed out that the law empowers investigating agencies to take coercive action — including arrest — to prevent destruction of evidence or intimidation of witnesses. He cautioned that inaction could discourage other witnesses from cooperating with investigators and erode public confidence in the impartiality of the CBI's proceedings. He emphasised that 'justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.'

What Sunil Kumar Has Requested

In his formal representation, the retired officer asked the CBI to take cognisance of the reported incident, secure all relevant records and electronic evidence, examine whether tampering or witness influence had occurred, and consider coercive action under Section 35 of the BNSS wherever statutory conditions are met. He also urged the agency to take all other necessary steps to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigations.

Background: Who Is P.V. Sunil Kumar

Sunil Kumar served as Director General, Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Response Force and Fire Services before being transferred shortly after the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led coalition government assumed power in 2024. He was among several IPS officers reportedly shunted by the new administration amid allegations that they had targeted TDP leaders during the tenure of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). Notably, Sunil Kumar headed the Crime Investigation Department (CID) when TDP President and current Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and other party leaders were booked on corruption charges — a context that gives his current complaint additional political weight.

With the CBI yet to formally respond, the coming days will determine whether the agency acts on the complaint or allows the matter to proceed through existing judicial channels.