IAS Officer Syed Ali Murtaza Rizvi's Retirement Sparks Political Controversy in Telangana

Senior IAS officer Syed Ali Murtaza Rizvi's decision to opt for voluntary retirement has stirred significant political unrest in Telangana. The state's BRS party has accused the government of coercing bureaucrats into unethical practices.

Rizvi, a 1999 batch IAS officer who still has nearly a decade of service remaining, requested voluntary retirement effective October 31. The underlying reasons for his sudden VRS request remain undisclosed.

During a press conference, BRS Working President KT Rama Rao alleged that both IAS and IPS officers are being pressured into taking voluntary retirement due to the government's demand for illicit activities. Rizvi, according to Rao, rejected instructions from Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, who allegedly objected to Rizvi’s resignation in a letter to the government.

Moreover, a letter ascribed to Minister Rao accused Rizvi of deliberately obstructing the tendering process for high-security holograms meant for liquor bottles. Rizvi, currently positioned as Principal Secretary of Revenue (Prohibition & Excise), was unavailable for comments on the issue.