Patna: In an extraordinary inter-state legal and political flashpoint, a team of Andhra Pradesh Police entered the official residence of a senior Bihar-cadre IPS officer in Patna on February 23 and attempted to arrest him without a warrant, prompting sharp judicial intervention and raising questions over due process and political vendetta.
The officer at the centre of the controversy is M. Sunil Kumar Nayak, a 2005-batch IPS officer of the Bihar cadre, currently serving as Inspector General (IG) in Bihar Home Guards and Fire Services. Originally from Andhra Pradesh, Nayak had earlier served on deputation in his home state between January 7, 2020, and March 7, 2023.
What Happened in Patna
According to the officer’s legal team, an Andhra Pradesh Police team allegedly scaled the boundary wall of Nayak’s government residence in Patna and attempted to arrest him without producing a valid warrant or complete case diary. Nayak immediately moved the court, challenging the legality of the action.
He was produced before the ACJM-12 court in Patna for transit remand. The court sought a warrant from the Andhra Pradesh Police, which the team failed to produce. The court subsequently rejected the transit remand plea, reprimanded the police, and restrained any coercive action against the officer for the next 30 days. Following the court’s order, Nayak was released.
Patna Central SP Bhanu Pratap said the Andhra Pradesh Police had arrived without a warrant. He added that while Patna Police extended cooperation, the court ultimately refused the transit remand request.
Nayak’s counsel, Amit Srivastava, alleged that the visiting police team acted in violation of legal procedures and entered the residence by scaling the wall. He said they would pursue legal remedies against the action and emphasized that the court has barred any further action for 30 days.
The Case Against Nayak
Nayak has been named as accused number seven in a case linked to the alleged custodial torture and attempted murder of former Narsapuram MP K. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju.
The alleged incident dates back to May 2021, when Raju, then a rebel MP from the YSR Congress Party, was arrested by Andhra Pradesh CID from his residence in Hyderabad on charges including sedition under IPC Section 124A, promoting enmity under Section 153A, provisions related to incitement under Section 505, and criminal conspiracy under Section 120B.
Raju alleged that he was beaten with rubber belts, had his legs tied, was suffocated, and denied medication while in CID custody in Guntur. On May 21, 2021, the Supreme Court granted him bail and observed prima facie evidence suggesting custodial torture.
In June 2024, after a change in government in Andhra Pradesh, a fresh case was registered on July 12, 2024, against former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and several CID officials, including Nayak, based on Raju’s complaint alleging attempt to murder.
Nayak had been on bail in the case, but his anticipatory bail was recently cancelled after he reportedly failed to appear for questioning despite summons issued by Andhra Pradesh Police in March 2025.
The Political Undercurrent
The episode has unfolded against the backdrop of long-standing political rivalry between Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and current Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, chief of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
Since the TDP-led government assumed office in June 2024, several IPS officers perceived to be close to the previous YSRCP regime have faced suspension, arrest, transfer, or inquiry. The YSR Congress Party has described these actions as political retribution, while the Naidu government maintains they are lawful proceedings addressing alleged misuse of power during the previous administration.
Among those facing action are senior officers such as P. V. Sunil Kumar, who was suspended in 2024 and whose suspension has reportedly been extended, and others including PSR Sitaram Anjaneyulu and N. Sanjay, who have faced suspension or arrest in separate cases.
Role of Bihar Government
Observers suggest that the scope for intervention by the Bihar government appears limited, given that both Bihar and Andhra Pradesh are governed by NDA allies. Political analysts say any relief for Nayak is more likely to come from judicial proceedings rather than executive intervention.
Sources indicated that the developments unfolded swiftly, and by the time details became widely known, the Patna court had already granted interim relief.
For now, the case has become a flashpoint in the broader political contest between the two Andhra Pradesh leaders, with a Bihar-cadre IPS officer caught in the middle of an escalating legal and political battle.
