ACB case against Andhra Pradesh ex-minister Vidadala Rajini, IPS officer & 2 others

VIJAYAWADA: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) registered a case against YSRCP leader and former minister Vidadala Rajini, along with senior IPS officer Palle Joshua and two others, for allegedly extorting Rs 2.20 crore from the owners of Sri Lakshmi Balaji Stone Crushers in Edlapadu of Palnadu district.

The case stems from an inquiry conducted by the vigilance and enforcement (V&E) department, which found evidence of misconduct and misuse of power.

The investigation was initiated following a complaint by Nallapaneni Chalapathi Rao, the managing partner of the stone crushers company. Rao alleged that Rajini, in collaboration with her brother-in-law Vidadala Gopi, her personal assistant Dodda Ramakrishna, and then regional vigilance and enforcement officer (RVEO) Palle Joshua, coerced him into paying Rs 2 crore to the former minister.

Additionally, Rs 10 lakh each was allegedly extorted by Gopi and Joshua.

Based on the V&E department's findings, a report was submitted to the state govt on Dec 3, recommending a comprehensive investigation by the ACB.