Tirupati: The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has urged the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) to remove three senior IPS officers from election-related duties and order an independent inquiry into alleged violence, intimidation and police bias during the ongoing local body election process.
In a representation to the authorities, Tirupati MP Maddila Gurumoorthy sought action against Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Koya Praveen, Annamayya Superintendent of Police Dheeraj Kanubilli and Kadapa Superintendent of Police Shelke Nachiket Vishwanath.
The party has alleged that candidates were obstructed from filing nominations and that police failed to ensure a level playing field in several areas. These are allegations made by YSRCP and have not been established as findings against the officers.
Copies of the complaint were sent to the President of India, the Chief Justice of India, the Union Home Secretary, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and the Andhra Pradesh Governor, seeking their intervention.
YSRCP Names Three IPS Officers in Complaint
The representation seeks the removal of the three officers from election-related responsibilities and a review of their conduct during the nomination process.
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According to the party, incidents of alleged violence, intimidation and obstruction occurred between October 16 and 18, particularly in Annamayya and Kadapa districts.
- Koya Praveen (IPS: 2009: AP)— Deputy Inspector General (DIG)
- Dheeraj Kanubilli (IPS: 2020: AP)— Superintendent of Police, Annamayya district
- Shelke Nachiket Vishwanath — Superintendent of Police, Kadapa district
YSRCP alleged that Rajampet MP P.V. Midhun Reddy and party nominees were attacked by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) activists at Punganur on October 16. It claimed the incident disrupted the nomination process and prevented candidates from submitting their papers.
The complaint also referred to alleged obstruction and attacks on candidates in Pulivendula, Kamalapuram, Kadapa, Yerraguntla, Rajampet, Rayachoti, Badvel, Mydukur and Proddatur.
The party has asked the authorities to examine nomination records and investigate whether candidates were prevented from contesting.
Complaint Seeks Review of Earlier Transfer Directive
The complaint has also raised questions about the deployment of DIG Koya Praveen (IPS: 2009: AP), citing an earlier government order concerning his transfer from field duties.
YSRCP has sought a review of the officer’s current assignment in light of Government Order G.O.Rt.No. 815, issued in 2019, and has alleged that certain remarks attributed to him about MP P.V. Midhun Reddy raised concerns about political neutrality.
The party has called for an independent examination of the allegations and appropriate disciplinary action if any violations are established.
It has also urged the authorities to preserve and examine relevant evidence, including CCTV footage, video recordings, complaints, FIRs, police deployment records and duty rosters.
Supreme Court Steps In Over Local Body Poll Complaints
The dispute comes amid legal scrutiny of the nomination process for urban local body elections in Andhra Pradesh.
The Supreme Court recently directed the State Election Commission to consider complaints from candidates who claimed they were unable to file nominations because of violence or law-and-order problems. It also directed the state police chief to ensure protection for candidates and adequate security, including CCTV coverage at nomination centres and election offices.
The court asked the SEC to examine complaints individually and submit a compliance report. Its directions were not a finding that all allegations made by either political side had been proved.
The State Election Commission has also faced competing allegations from the ruling TDP and opposition YSRCP over violence and disruption during nominations. The TDP has separately accused YSRCP supporters of violence, underscoring the dispute between the parties over responsibility for the incidents.
What YSRCP Wants the Authorities to Do
The party has called for the following measures:
- Removal from election duties: Transfer the three named IPS officers away from election-related responsibilities while the allegations are examined.
- Independent inquiry: Investigate alleged violence, intimidation and police inaction during the nomination process.
- Evidence preservation: Secure CCTV footage, videos, FIRs, complaints and police duty records relevant to the incidents.
- Review of transfer compliance: Examine whether previous directives concerning officers’ election-related postings were followed.
- Accountability: Initiate appropriate disciplinary proceedings if the allegations are substantiated.
The matter now places responsibility on the election authorities to assess the complaints and supporting evidence while ensuring that candidates can participate in the electoral process without intimidation.
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