IPS officer PV Sunil Kumar in dock over foreign trips without permission

VIJAYAWADA: The AP govt placed IPS officer PV Sunil Kumar under suspension for allegedly undertaking multiple foreign trips without obtaining prior permission.
The govt order issued on Sunday cited repeated violations of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968. According to the official order, Sunil Kumar, a 1993-batch officer (waiting for posting), undertook multiple foreign trips without proper authorisation. In some instances, he reportedly deviated from approved travel plans.

The govt highlighted several instances of misconduct in the order. During March 2024, he was granted permission to visit Georgia but travelled to the UAE instead. In Sept 2023, he visited Sweden without govt approval. In Feb 2023, he travelled to the US without prior permission. In Dec 2022, he was allowed to visit Georgia but travelled to the UAE. In Oct 2021, he visited the UAE without clearance.
'Unauthorised foreign travels could pose nat'l security concerns'
In Dec 2019, he was permitted to travel to the US but instead went to the UK. The govt emphasized that strict adherence to procedural requirements for foreign travel is crucial for IPS officers due to their access to sensitive information.
The order underscored that unauthorised visits could pose national security concerns and disrupt the chain of command. Further, officials pointed out that such violations reflect indiscipline and disregard for administrative accountability. Given the seriousness of the matter, the govt decided to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Sunil Kumar for gross misconduct and negligence. Pending a detailed inquiry, the govt placed Sunil Kumar under suspension with immediate effect under Rule 3(1) of the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969.
During the suspension period, he has been prohibited from leaving Vijayawada without prior permission. He will receive a subsistence allowance as per the rules.
AP director-general of police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta has been instructed to serve the suspension order to Sunil Kumar and obtain his acknowledgement. Copies of the order have also been forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs and other departments concerned.