In a shocking turn of events, the case involving Kadambari Jatwani has revealed a disturbing trend of political manipulation and misuse of the legal system in Andhra Pradesh. Accused of blackmail and fraud, Kadambari’s connections with coalition leaders have led to a series of retaliatory actions against police officials and investigative officers, setting a dangerous precedent in the country.
The Honey trap Scheme
Kadambari Jatwani, an actress, was accused of emotionally manipulating and extorting over a crore rupees from Kukkala Vidyasagar through a honey trap scheme. Bank records confirmed the transactions, and further allegations surfaced that she forged documents to seize Vidyasagar’s property, creating fake agreements and securing a Rs. 5 lakh advance for their sale. Following Vidyasagar’s complaint, Ibrahimpatnam police registered a case.
Lawful investigation and arrest
Officers acted lawfully, obtaining a search warrant from Vijayawada courts, conducting searches at Kadambari’s Mumbai residence, and seizing evidence. On February 3, 2024, with assistance from Juhu police, she was arrested, presented in Andheri courts, and transferred to Vijayawada courts the next day. The court, satisfied with preliminary evidence, remanded her to custody. Police legally interrogated Kadambari and her parents for five days, and her two bail applications were dismissed. Conditional bail was granted on April 24, 2024, with conditions relaxed 23 days later.
Silence during legal proceedings
Remarkably, Kadambari made no complaints against the police during her arrest, custody, or court appearances in Mumbai or Vijayawada. Court records and her statements confirm she reported no mistreatment. Her phones, SIM cards, and laptops were sent for forensic analysis as part of the investigation.
Political interference post-coalition takeover
The plot thickened when the coalition government came to power in June 2024. In August, TV-5 aired an interview with Kadambari, followed by an online complaint orchestrated by coalition affiliates. Yellow media outlets heavily publicized the narrative, prompting the Vijayawada City Police Commissioner to appoint an inquiry officer. On September 5, 2024, Kadambari filed a complaint, leading to statements being recorded.
Retaliation against officers
Shockingly, before an FIR was even registered, officers previously involved in her case, along with an unrelated DGP-rank officer, P.S.R. Anjaneyulu, were suspended. Other officers, including CI Hanumantha Rao and IPS officers Vishal Gunni, Kanthi Rana Tata, and Ramanjaneyulu, faced similar action. On September 13, an FIR was filed at Ibrahimpatnam police station, and Vidyasagar was arrested.
Unprecedented legal manipulation
Kadambari, the prime accused in a fraud case, was not only spared further investigation but was seemingly used to file counter-complaints against those who pursued her case. The original investigation was stalled, no charge sheet was filed, and the case, still under court jurisdiction, was diverted to target the complainant and investigating officers. This unprecedented maneuver is likely unique in India’s legal history.
Suspicious timing of complaints
If Kadambari genuinely faced injustice, why did she wait until September 2024 to complain, seven months after her February arrest and months after her April release? The timing, coinciding with the coalition’s rise to power, suggests political motives. Sources indicate the coalition, particularly leaders implicated in unrelated scandals like the skill development scam, harbored grudges against officers who maintained law and order during high-profile arrests.
Violation of legal norms
The High Court, granting anticipatory bail in this case, noted that such actions violate Section 195 of the CrPC, which prohibits private individuals from filing counter-cases against officials or witnesses in ongoing cases without court approval. The court warned that this misuse of the criminal justice system sets a dangerous precedent, undermining fair investigations.
Threat to honest officers
These officers, with unblemished records and decorated careers, were targeted in what appears to be a vendetta. If this model is replicated, any accused could retaliate against investigating officers. For instance, a drug trafficker could claim police planted evidence, or witnesses could retract statements, paralyzing the justice system. Honest officers, fearing reprisals, would hesitate to pursue cases impartially.
A Dangerous precedent
The Kadambari case could become a blueprint for chaos, with every investigator at risk of imprisonment. The coalition government’s actions suggest a broader pattern of using police for political ends. Questions arise: Who is drafting these complaints? Where are false statements being prepared? Which leaders are orchestrating these moves?
Erosion of Justice
If future governments adopt this approach, job security for upright officers will be at stake, and the rule of law will erode. The Kadambari case stands as a stark warning of how political interference can corrupt justice, with coalition leaders exploiting the system to settle scores.
