The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to reconstitute the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that was formed to probe the illegal export of Public Distribution System (PDS) rice. The decision follows allegations of bias against three of its members—Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) T Ashok Vardhan, M Balasundara Rao, and R Govinda Rao. The allegations claim that the officers were politically biased towards the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) during the recent general elections, raising doubts about their impartiality in the ongoing investigation.
The SIT, initially constituted on December 6 under the leadership of CID IGP Vineet Brijlal, consisted of six members. Reports from TDP leaders in Darsi, Chirala, and Vizianagaram alleged that the three DSPs had worked in favor of YSRCP candidates during the elections. Ashok Vardhan was accused of supporting YSRCP in Darsi, while Balasundara Rao allegedly aided the party in Chirala, and Govinda Rao was said to have close ties with YSRCP leader Botcha Satyanarayana in Vizianagaram.
In response to these allegations, the TDP-led NDA government decided to issue a fresh Government Order (GO) to reconstitute the SIT, removing the three DSPs from the team. SP-ranked officials are expected to replace them. The SIT, which operates under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, is investigating 13 cases of illegal transportation of subsidized rice meant for the underprivileged. It has the authority to conduct searches, seize goods, and arrest individuals involved in the illegal trade.
The SIT's investigation, which was initiated after concerns raised by the Director General of Police (DGP), revealed a complex network of millers, exporters, and influential figures, some with alleged political connections. The team is now mandated to submit fortnightly reports to the government to track the progress of the investigation.
With the reconstitution of the team, the government aims to ensure that the probe is fair, transparent, and free from political influence. The SIT will also visit all police stations where the cases were filed to gather additional information and conduct a thorough investigation into the illegal rice exports.
