In a major twist to the sensational honey trap case that has rocked Anantapur district, the state government has initiated strict disciplinary action against several police personnel for alleged misconduct, negligence, and for reportedly shielding the accused, who are said to have links with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders.
According to official orders issued by senior police authorities, Rapthadu Circle Inspector Sriharsha, Anantapur Rural Head Constable Giri, Constable Durgaprasad, and Itukalapalli Constable Devalanayak have been dismissed from service.
In addition, Anantapur Rural Sub-Inspector Rambabu and constables Devendra and Jayaram Nayak have been suspended, while another Sub-Inspector, Shekhar, has been attached to the Kurnool Range DIG office.
The action follows allegations that these officers maintained close links with the accused and failed to discharge their duties responsibly.
Police have recently arrested three more individuals in connection with the case and remanded them to judicial custody.
Earlier, the prime accused, Chinni alias Rangamma, along with Rajesh Naidu, Jayalakshmi, Chandrakala, and Ananthakumari, had already been arrested.
According to sources, Rangamma is believed to be a close associate of Paritala Sunitha, the TDP MLA from Rapthadu.
Similarly, another key accused, Rajesh, is reportedly an aide of TDP MLA Daggupati Prasad, who represents Anantapur Urban.
Investigators suspect that the accused used these perceived political connections as a shield to carry out their activities.
The gang allegedly targeted affluent businessmen, real estate developers, and civil contractors across the district.
Opposition parties have demanded a thorough probe into the alleged nexus between the accused and their political patrons.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the extent of the network and the role of influential backers, if any.
Preliminary findings suggest that the gang lured victims to private locations, recorded compromising photos and videos, and later used them to blackmail victims by threatening exposure or physical harm.
Police suspect that the gang extorted crores of rupees. Many victims are believed to have stayed silent due to fear of social stigma.
The investigation is being led by probationary IPS officer Ashwin Kumar and Tadipatri ASP Rohith Choudary.
Police are also questioning additional suspects for possible links, while internal scrutiny of police conduct led to the disciplinary action.
