Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Police registered cases in connection with 14 election-related incidents reported across eight districts on Friday, the final day of nominations for local body elections, Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta (IPS: 1992: AP), said.
The incidents were reported in Palnadu, Kadapa, Anantapur, Nellore, Kurnool, Annamayya, Tirupati and Markapuram districts. Police have identified 17 people allegedly involved in poll-related violations, while investigations continue to establish the role of other possible offenders.
The DGP said additional forces had been deployed in sensitive areas and police protection provided to candidates wherever necessary, in coordination with district administrations and election authorities. Police personnel intervened in reported disturbances and obstructions to bring situations under control.
14 Election-Related Incidents Reported Across 8 Districts
According to the DGP, the cases relate to incidents reported during the nomination process. The district-wise distribution was:
- Palnadu: 3 incidents
- Kadapa: 3 incidents
- Anantapur: 2 incidents
- Nellore: 2 incidents
- Kurnool: 1 incident
- Annamayya: 1 incident
- Tirupati: 1 incident
- Markapuram: 1 incident
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The police are investigating alleged intimidation, obstruction and disturbances associated with the election process. The DGP said officers would preserve evidence and identify those responsible, adding that delays in intervention or supervisory failures would be scrutinised.
40,000 Police Personnel Deployed for Election Security
The state has deployed approximately 40,000 police personnel at election offices across Andhra Pradesh. In addition, 36 platoons of the Andhra Pradesh Special Police (APSP) have been assigned election bandobust duties.
Security arrangements include:
- Additional deployment in sensitive areas and at nomination centres.
- Protection and escorts for candidates wherever required.
- Coordination between police, district administrations and election authorities.
- Monitoring of police personnel assigned to election duty.
The DGP has directed Police Commissioners and Superintendents of Police to closely supervise personnel and ensure prompt responses to complaints. The police have also been instructed to examine available evidence, including CCTV footage, drone recordings, body-worn camera footage and videos from nomination centres, media and the public.
Election Security Under Scrutiny Amid Nomination Disputes
The latest cases come amid disputes over the nomination process for Andhra Pradesh’s urban local body elections. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) had approached the Supreme Court, alleging that some of its candidates were intimidated or prevented from filing nominations.
On October 21, the Supreme Court directed the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission to defer publication of the final list of contesting candidates until October 25 and consider complaints and supporting evidence concerning candidates who said they had been unable to file nominations because of law-and-order problems. The Commission subsequently extended the nomination window in specified wards of four urban local bodies.
The police have said they will take action against those found responsible for election-related offences, with the DGP stressing the need for impartial enforcement and effective supervision throughout the process.
Read Also: Andhra Pradesh DGP Directs Police to Complete Local Body Poll Preparations Before Notification
