A formal complaint has been filed by the Legal Rights Protection Forum against senior IPS officer PV Sunil Kumar, currently serving as Director General of Police (DGP) in Andhra Pradesh, and other police officials for alleged violations of the Police Forces (Restriction of Rights) Act, 1966, and the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964. The complaint, addressed to the Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh and copied to the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India, raises serious allegations of misconduct and misuse of office.
Allegations against IPS officer Sunil Kumar
The complaint accuses Sunil Kumar of founding a private organization, Ambedkar’s India Mission, which reportedly engages in activities that violate legal provisions. This organization, established in 2014, is registered as a charitable trust and has allegedly enlisted approximately 500 serving police personnel as members, including constables, sub-inspectors, and senior officers. The group is said to advocate for separate Gram Panchayats for Scheduled Castes, a move that critics claim fosters division and violates the secular principles of governance.
The Legal Rights Protection Forum asserts that these activities contravene Section 3 of the Police Forces (Restriction of Rights) Act, 1966, which restricts police personnel from associating with non-social or non-recreational organizations without prior sanction. It also alleges that the officer’s activities breach Rule 3(1)(xviii) of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, which prohibits government servants from fostering societal divisions or compromising impartiality.
Anti-Hindu propaganda alleged
The complaint further accuses Mr. Sunil Kumar of promoting anti-Hindu propaganda under the banner of his organization, targeting the Hindu community, particularly Scheduled Castes. Reports suggest that he has publicly supported granting SC status to Christians and expressed biases favoring specific communities, and actions deemed inappropriate for a serving IPS officer.
Concerns have also been raised about the financial dealings of Ambedkar’s India Mission. The Forum has demanded a thorough investigation into the organization’s sources of funding, alleging potential foreign fund violations. The complaint highlights previous political controversies involving the officer, including allegations of organizing protests against critics of the organization and misusing police resources to further personal ideological agendas.
Previous complaints ignored
A related complaint was filed in 2021 by a Member of Parliament, with the Ministry of Home Affairs subsequently issuing a notice to the Andhra Pradesh government. However, the complaint alleges that the previous state administration disregarded the notice due to political considerations.
The Legal Rights Protection Forum has urged the Andhra Pradesh government to suspend Mr. Sunil Kumar, register a case against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and conduct a comprehensive probe into the organization’s financial and operational activities.
The complaint raises critical questions about the intersection of governance, law enforcement, and activism, demanding accountability from public officials. The Andhra Pradesh government and central authorities are yet to respond to the allegations.
