Andhra Pradesh: CI dismissed after rape case; remains absconding

Vijayawada: A police inspector accused in a rape case was dismissed from service by Andhra Pradesh police department, even as he continues to remain absconding nearly a month after the case was registered.Guntur range inspector-general of police (IGP) Sarvashreshtha Tripathi issued orders removing the inspector, Chinna Mallaiah, from service. The dismissal orders have since reached the Palnadu district superintendent of police's office.The action comes in the wake of a complaint filed by a woman in Vinukonda on April 29, 2026, alleging that the police officer sexually assaulted her. Based on the complaint, Vinukonda police registered a rape case against Mallaiah. Soon after the case was booked, the officer allegedly went into hiding and has not been traced so far.Legal attempts by the accused to avoid arrest also failed. Mallaiah first approached the high court seeking anticipatory bail, but his petition was dismissed. He subsequently moved the supreme court, hoping for relief. However, the apex court declined to intervene and upheld the high court's decision, clearing the way for police action.The case has drawn significant attention as Mallaiah served as circle inspector in several key locations, including Vinukonda, Narasaraopet and Karampudi. His dismissal marks a major administrative action by the police department while the criminal investigation continues.