Amaravati: In a significant development, retired IPS officer A.B. Venkateswara Rao (AVB) has been granted major relief as the state government has withdrawn two cases filed against him in connection with the alleged corruption in the purchase of surveillance equipment. Government orders to close both cases were issued on Tuesday, while a decision on another pending case now rests with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.Venkateswara Rao, who faced immense challenges during the five-year rule of the YSR Congress Party (YCP) government, has finally seen an end to the legal troubles that plagued him. The former officer was accused of corruption and misconduct in the procurement of surveillance equipment, a charge he has consistently denied.The Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government had filed multiple cases against AVB, alleging he crossed limits and threatened witnesses in connection with the equipment that was purportedly not purchased, causing complications. The government even recommended his dismissal to the Centre. Despite these challenges, Venkateswara Rao fought a prolonged legal battle from 2019, enduring suspensions, cases, and disciplinary actions. In a twist of fate, he received a posting just one day before his retirement, taking charge as Director General (DG) of Printing and Stationery on May 30, 2023, following an order from the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). He retired the next day on May 31. After retirement, AVB appealed to the new government to clear him of the wrongful charges and suspensions imposed by the previous administration.**Allegations of Bias and Legal Battle**During his tenure as the head of the Intelligence Department in the previous Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government, AVB was accused by the YCP government of paying Rs. 35 lakh on October 31, 2018, to Akash Advanced Systems for the purchase of surveillance equipment from Israel. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) launched an investigation, but AVB maintained that no money was spent. He was suspended on March 7, 2020, on corruption charges, sparking his legal struggle.Despite the challenges, AVB secured a posting in 2022 following an order from CAT. He had previously expressed his concerns that false documents had been created against him as part of a conspiracy. In response to his statements, the YCP government initiated disciplinary action under the All India Service Rules. However, when he appeared before the then Commissioner of Inquiries, RP Sisodia, AVB defended himself, claiming that the documents implicating him were forged and that he had not violated any service rules.The previous government, unsatisfied with his defense, suspended him again, alleging he was threatening witnesses. However, with the change in administration, the current government has withdrawn two charge memos related to his media statements, citing procedural delays in appointing an inquiry officer, which rendered the memos null and void.