Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V Anitha slams YSRCP for hypocrisy after ex-intelligence chief PSR Anjaneyulu’s arrest in Kadambari Jethwani harassment case
Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha launched a scathing attack on the Opposition YSRCP, asserting that the TDP-led alliance government was unwavering in its commitment to uphold the law. She said the government would ensure that those who violated the law are brought to justice, regardless of their status or position.
Her comments came after the Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (CID) arrested suspended senior police officer and former intelligence chief PSR Anjaneyulu from Hyderabad on Tuesday over his alleged role in harassing Mumbai-based actor-model Kadambari Jethwani.
Anjaneyulu is one of three IPS officers—alongside Vishal Gunni and Kanthi Ratan Tata—who were suspended for allegedly “hastily arresting” and “harassing” Jethwani during the previous YSRCP regime without proper investigation. While top police officials remained tight-lipped, sections of the media and the ruling TDP stated that Anjaneyulu had been arrested.
The TDP, in a post on X, said: “IPS officer PSR Anjaneyulu has been arrested for harassing a woman (Jethwani) under the directions of (former CM and YSRCP chief) Jagan Reddy, mobilising the entire government machinery.”
The party accused Anjaneyulu of aligning with YS Jagan Mohan Reddy while serving as the intelligence chief, and added that the harassment of the model was a “known fact”. According to the TDP, the previous government used all its might to subdue Jethwani and compel her to “submit”, while the current government was “doing justice” to her. An inquiry into the matter had earlier led to the suspension of the three officials, and the arrest of YSRCP leader Kukkala Vidyasagar. With Anjaneyulu’s reported arrest, the TDP reiterated its commitment to accountability.
Minister Anitha, responding to YSRCP’s criticism over the arrest, strongly criticised the Opposition for what she termed as “hypocrisy and double standards”, stating, “Those who broke the law during the previous regime are now facing the consequences. We’re not arresting anyone without evidence. This government works transparently.”
She further challenged the YSRCP to engage in self-reflection and examine why officials who served under their administration are currently facing action. Drawing comparisons with the past, she added, “Even honest officers like Sri Lakshmi were jailed during Jagan’s rule. TDP leaders were hounded with fake cases then. Today, not a single official has been arrested due to our pressure—that alone proves our integrity.”
With inputs from PTI
