Amaravati: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against former YSRCP minister Viddala Rajini, IPS officer Palle Joshua, and others over allegations of illegal collections and bribery. The case has been filed under Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, along with Sections 384 and 120B of the IPC, citing bribery, criminal conspiracy, intimidation, and extortion.
The accused include Viddala Rajini (A1), Palle Joshua (A2), Gopi (A3), and Rajini’s PA Dodda Ramakrishna (A4). The investigation began after a complaint was received by Vigilance and Enforcement, prompting a probe by Director General Harish Kumar Gupta. Following his report, the state government directed the ACB to investigate further, leading to the registration of the case.
The case dates back to September 2020, when Viddala Rajini’s PA Dodda Ramakrishna allegedly demanded Rs 5 crore from Sri Lakshmi Balaji Stone Crusher owners to allow operations in her constituency. Six days later, IPS officer Palle Joshua led an inspection of the stone crusher without prior complaints or authorization, further pressuring the owners.
A month later, Joshua reportedly threatened the owners with a Rs 50 crore fine unless they met Rajini. Under pressure, they met her again, where her PA reiterated the Rs 5 crore demand. The ACB, after gathering evidence, registered a case on Saturday and is expected to summon the accused for questioning soon.
Rajini and Joshua have yet to respond to the allegations.
