IPS officers from AP in hot water over actor Kadambari Jethwani case 

The Capital News 

The involvement of IPS officers from Andhra Pradesh in the case of Mumbai-based model-turned-actress Kadambari Jethwani has sparked a nationwide controversy. The officers have been accused of framing Jethwani in a false case, forcibly bringing her from Mumbai to Vijayawada, and subjecting her to prolonged harassment. Allegations of the involvement of influential industrialist and politicians in the background have only intensified the uproar. Acting swiftly on orders from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, a special officer has been appointed as Vijayawada Police Commissioner to oversee the situation.

The police are currently recording Jethwani’s statement, who is staying in a hotel in Vijayawada. Investigating officer Sravanti Roy has already met with Jethwani to gather details. Jethwani reportedly recounted a series of distressing events, beginning with a rape case she had filed against renowned industrialist Sajjan Jindal. The actress had lodged a complaint at the BKC police station in December 2023, alleging she was molested in January 2022 at a penthouse above Jindal’s company’s headquarters. However, her complaint was initially ignored by the Mumbai Police, prompting her to approach the court. The Mumbai Police eventually booked Jindal under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 376 (rape), 354 (assault or criminal force on a woman, outraging her modesty), and 506 (criminal intimidation). The situation took a darker turn when, between February 5 and 9, 2024, Jethwani was set to testify and provide evidence in the case against Jindal. It was during this period that Andhra Pradesh Police entered the picture.

On February 2, 2024, the Andhra Police, acting on a complaint by one Kukkala Vidyasagar, brought Jethwani from Mumbai to Vijayawada. The then Vijayawada police commissioner, Kranti Rana Tata, along with other officers, allegedly acted irregularly, bypassing standard procedures to arrest Jethwani and her parents without thorough investigation. IPS officer Vishal Gunni led the arrest operation, reportedly seizing Jethwani’s mobile phone and iPod—items which were never presented in court and were allegedly claimed to contain evidence in the Sajjan Jindal case. Jethwani and her parents were held in Vijayawada jail from February 3 to March 15, 2024. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police inexplicably closed the molestation case she had filed against Jindal, citing her unavailability due to the arrest.

Even after her release, Jethwani had to stay in Ibrahimpatnam, near Vijayawada, where she claims she continued to face harassment from police. On August 1, 2024, Jethwani lodged a fresh complaint at Juhu Police Station in Mumbai, detailing the alleged torture she endured while in Andhra Pradesh. She also pointed out discrepancies in the documents used to justify her arrest, claiming they were forged by the Andhra Police. “The document supposedly made in 2018 cites an address that I only purchased in 2020.

Moreover, the paper it’s written on was bought in 2023. It’s clear evidence of forgery,” she stated in her complaint. The close relationship between Vidyasagar, who filed the complaint against Jethwani, and other key figures has further fueled public outrage. As the police investigation continues, the conduct of the IPS officers involved has come under intense scrutiny, sparking widespread debate across the State. The case remains under investigation, with more developments expected in the coming days. Besides, former advisor Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy who is close aide of former Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy’s influence behind the whole episode is also under investigation, said official.