The dramatic turn in the sensational Kadambari Jethwani case in Andhra Pradesh has raised several questions about the manner in which the investigation was conducted, particularly at the cost of the reputation of three IPS officers who were suspended in connection with the case.
According to reports, the Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department is filing a chargesheet against the Mumbai-based model and actress, accusing her of extorting money from YSRCP leader Kukkala Vidyasagar by allegedly blackmailing him for several years.
The entire episode has damaged the reputation and public image of three senior IPS officers — former Intelligence chief P S R Anjaneyulu, Kanthi Rana Tata and Vishal Gunni.
They were suspended after Jethwani accused them of illegally arresting and harassing her during the previous YSRCP government.
According to the latest investigation, Jethwani, who won the Miss Gujarat title in 2009 before entering the film industry, allegedly met Vidyasagar at a private event in Mumbai after introducing herself as “Natasha.”
Investigators claim that the two later became acquainted and that intimate photographs taken during their meetings were subsequently used to threaten him and extort money.
The chargesheet alleges that Jethwani repeatedly demanded money between 2013 and 2023 and received Rs 6.70 lakh through several bank transactions made to her personal account and a joint account held with her mother.
The CID further alleges that she used multiple mobile phone numbers to issue threats. It claims that she later demanded Rs 1 crore for an alleged art gallery project and threatened to release private photographs and file a rape complaint if her demands were not met.
The CID reportedly relied on bank transaction records, call detail records and other electronic evidence while filing the chargesheet. It said that the communication between Jethwani and the complainant had been substantiated so far.
The forensic examination of mobile phones and other digital devices seized during the investigation is still underway.
Depending on the findings, the CID has informed the court that it may seek permission under Section 193(9) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to conduct further investigation and file a supplementary chargesheet.
The major question now is what will happen to the IPS officers following this turn in the CID investigation.
Jethwani had earlier alleged that she and her family were illegally arrested in Mumbai, brought to Andhra Pradesh and subjected to unlawful detention and harassment by the officers.
Now, the woman whose allegations led to criminal proceedings against senior police officers is herself facing prosecution in an extortion case based on documentary and electronic evidence collected during the investigation.
The suspension of the three IPS officers had serious professional consequences and attracted intense public scrutiny.
With the investigation now pointing towards Jethwani, the question is who will restore the officers’ professional reputation if the allegations against them ultimately fail to withstand judicial scrutiny.
What steps the Chandrababu Naidu government and the three IPS officers will take next remains to be seen.
