The Andhra Pradesh government has delivered another major blow to senior IPS officer Vishal Gunni, who is currently facing an ongoing investigation over serious allegations and controversial criminal cases. The state government has officially decided to extend his suspension further. To this effect, AP Chief Secretary (CS) Sai Prasad issued an official Government Order (GO). According to the latest directives, Vishal Gunni’s suspension will remain in force until September 4 or until the conclusion of the criminal investigation against him, whichever comes earlier.
Currently, the probe against Vishal Gunni is being conducted based on a criminal case (FIR No. 469/2024) registered at the Ibrahimpatnam police station. As his previous suspension period was nearing its end, a high-level review committee met specifically on June 12 to evaluate the situation. Given his senior police rank, the committee expressed concerns that reinstating him at this juncture could potentially allow him to influence the ongoing probe and tamper with crucial evidence. The review committee reported to the government that a smooth criminal investigation would be hindered if he remained on active duty, prompting the extension.
Vishal Gunni is facing serious allegations as a key accused in the case involving the illegal arrest, harassment, and severe abuse of power directed at Mumbai-based actress Kadambari Jethwani during the previous YSRCP government’s tenure. In response to the massive controversy, the current alliance government had earlier placed him under suspension. Although Vishal Gunni challenged this move in the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) and obtained an order revoking his suspension, the AP government immediately approached the High Court and secured a stay on the tribunal’s order. Amidst these legal developments, the government extended his suspension until September to ensure an unhindered investigation.
