Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh reported 31 election-related incidents across 13 districts during the filing of nominations for the Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) elections on Thursday, according to Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta, an IPS officer of the 1992 batch from the Andhra Pradesh cadre.
In an official statement, the DGP said the incidents included 22 cases of violence and public disorder and nine cases involving the snatching or tearing of nomination papers. Police have registered 16 cases, including counter-cases, while action is underway in 11 other incidents. So far, 54 people have been named as accused.
Anantapur Reports Highest Number of Election-Related Incidents
Anantapur recorded the highest number of incidents, with eight cases reported during the nomination process.
The district-wise breakdown of incidents is as follows:
- Anantapur: 8 incidents
- Annamayya: 3 incidents
- Kadapa: 3 incidents
- Prakasam: 3 incidents
- Tirupati: 3 incidents
- Chittoor: 2 incidents
- Sri Sathya Sai: 2 incidents
- Palnadu: 2 incidents
- Nellore: 1 incident
- Kurnool: 1 incident
- Markapuram: 1 incident
- Nandyal: 1 incident
- Eluru: 1 incident
The incidents were reported across the 13 districts as candidates filed nominations for the MPTC and ZPTC elections.
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Police Personnel and Candidate Injured in Violence
The incidents also resulted in injuries to police personnel and others. A police constable sustained grievous injuries in an attack, while two other people, including a candidate, were seriously injured.
To control the situation and disperse crowds, police resorted to lathi-charge on three occasions and fired two tear-gas shells.
The police response came amid reports of violence, public disorder and interference with nomination papers during the election-related activities.
DGP Directs Additional Security at Sensitive Locations
DGP Harish Kumar Gupta has directed district police chiefs to deploy additional forces at sensitive locations to prevent further incidents and maintain law and order.
He warned that those involved in violence or attacks on police personnel would face stringent action.
Police are continuing action in connection with the reported incidents, with investigations and further proceedings underway in cases registered during the nomination process.
The authorities are focusing on strengthening security at sensitive locations and ensuring that the election process proceeds without further disruption.
