Andhra Pradesh ex-minister Vidadala Rajini, cop Palle Joshua named in extortion case | India News

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) functionary and former minister Vidadala Rajini, 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 Palnadu district’s Edlapadu.
Vigilance and Enforcement (V&E) dept found evidence of misconduct and misuse of power during its investigation into a complaint filed 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, 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, Gopi and Joshua allegedly extorted Rs 10 lakh each.
Based on the V&E dept’s findings, a report was submitted to the state govt on Dec 3, recommending a comprehensive investigation by ACB. The report also suggested disciplinary action against Joshua and legal proceedings against the other accused. In response, the state govt, through a memo issued on Jan 23, directed ACB to conduct a detailed investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
On Feb 18, the govt granted ACB permission to probe Joshua and Ramakrishna. However, in a subsequent memo dated Mar 7, 2025, the govt clarified that since Rajini was an MLA at the time of the alleged offense, her actions did not fall under the purview of official duties, making Section 17A inapplicable. Consequently, the govt permitted ACB to proceed with legal action against her under existing laws
V&E Dept’s inquiry further revealed that the inspection of Sri Lakshmi Balaji Stone Crushers on Sept 10, 2020, conducted by Joshua and his team, was carried out without any formal complaint or authorisation from the V&E DG.