Former Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police V Sunil Kumar has approached the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), asking the agency to examine whether bail conditions should be reconsidered in two pending bank fraud investigations involving alleged financial irregularities of about ₹1,185 crore.
In his representation to the CBI Director, Sunil Kumar referred to concerns raised by industrialist Madala Srinivasu regarding his safety. He has asked the agency to assess whether those circumstances could have any bearing on witnesses, evidence or the investigations currently underway.
Sunil Kumar said he was making the representation in his capacity as a citizen and State Bank of India depositor, while also referring to an earlier complaint submitted to the investigating agency.
Two CBI Cases Involving Alleged Bank Fund Diversion
The representation relates to two cases being investigated by the CBI concerning Ind-Barath Power entities.
The first case, RCBD1/2019/E/0003, concerns Ind-Barath Power Madras Limited and others. The alleged financial irregularities in that case are estimated at approximately ₹947.71 crore.
The second case, RCBD1/2021/E/0002, concerns Ind Barath Power Gencom Limited and its directors. The case was registered following a complaint from the State Bank of India and involves alleged bank fraud of approximately ₹237.84 crore.
Together, the two cases involve allegations concerning nearly ₹1,185 crore.
The allegations include cheating, criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and other offences. The representation also refers to findings attributed to a forensic audit, including suspected diversion of funds, questionable inter-corporate deposits and deficiencies in supporting documentation.
The allegations remain subject to investigation and any applicable judicial proceedings.
Former DGP Raises Questions About Witness Safety
A significant part of Sunil Kumar's representation concerns the safety of Madala Srinivasu.
According to the representation, Srinivasu approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking protection over an alleged threat to his life and requested two armed personal security officers.
His petition names Kanumuru Raghu Rama Krishna Raju in his personal capacity, along with Union and state authorities. The representation itself does not establish that the allegations in the protection petition amount to proven wrongdoing.
Sunil Kumar has instead asked the CBI to examine whether the circumstances raise concerns about possible witness intimidation or interference with evidence connected to the pending investigations.
CBI Asked to Examine Bail Conditions
The former police chief has urged the CBI to review the relevant High Court records and other material before deciding whether any action concerning bail is warranted.
If the investigation establishes circumstances involving witness intimidation or interference, the agency could consider approaching the competent court for appropriate relief, including a request for stricter bail conditions or cancellation of bail where legally justified.
Sunil Kumar has also sought appropriate measures for protecting witnesses and preserving evidence.
For cases involving suspected diversion of substantial funds, Financial Investigation can be relevant to the examination of financial transactions, records and potential irregularities.
Bail Review Would Depend on Judicial Assessment
The representation does not itself alter the existing bail position. Any decision to modify conditions or cancel bail would have to follow examination of the relevant evidence and applicable judicial procedures.
The matter now places the concerns raised by the former DGP before the CBI for consideration. The agency's assessment will determine whether the circumstances cited in the representation warrant any further action in the two ongoing bank fraud cases.
The cases involve allegations relating to significant bank funds, making the preservation of documentary evidence and the protection of witnesses important aspects of the ongoing investigative process.