The Chief Election Commission has pulled up the Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary Anil Chandra Punetha for disobeying the directions of the Election Commission (EC).

He was reportedly summoned by the CEC on Monday, which sought an explanation as to why he issued a GO nullifying its orders.

He has reportedly come under fire from the CEC for defying its order to transfer three IPS officers, including State Intelligence chief AB Venkateswara Rao.

As per the reports on March 26, the CS issued a GO (716) transferring Intelligence DG Venkateswara Rao and SPs of Srikakulam and Kadapa districts following the directions of the CEC. However, the very next day, two different GOs (720 and 721) were issued in the name of the Chief Secretary.

The GO No 720 was issued cancelling the GO No 716 and notifying only the transfers of SPs of Srikakulam and Kadapa districts. Whereas in the GO No 721, the CS enclosed the list of police officers to be designated for election-related duties. But the Intelligence DG Venkateswara Rao's name was exempted.

The CEC expressed its ire against the Chief Secretary as how the CS could nullify its orders and also as to how the AP government could question the CEC's authority in the High Court, its asked.

It is reported that Anil Chandra Punetha had expressed his apologies to the CEC, against issuing the GOs hastily and had assured them that such decisions would not happen in future.

Meanwhile the Intelligence Chief AB Venkateswara Rao is reported to have applied for two months’ leave after the Government issued his relieving orders directing him to report to the Head Office.

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