AP DGP Harish Kumar Gupta warns of strict action if violence is committed in local elections

The AP Police machinery has taken strict measures to ensure that the local body elections process in the state is conducted peacefully and legally. State Police Director General Harish Kumar Gupta has warned that strict action will be taken against those who indulge in violence and intimidation during the elections. The DGP held a review with the SPs and police commissioners of all the districts of the state in Mangalagiri today. He directed them to ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully.

The DGP said on this occasion that full protection will be provided to the candidates to file their nominations freely and participate in the elections legally. The DGP warned that any irregularities, threats or obstructions will not be tolerated in the local elections and that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in crossing barricades at nomination centres, blocking roads, and attacking policemen on duty.

The DGP revealed that cases have been registered and investigations have been expedited on incidents that took place in various districts during the filing of nominations. He said that the accused are being identified and cases are being registered in connection with incidents registered in districts like Palnadu, Kadapa, Anantapur, Nellore, Tirupati, Kurnool, Annamayya and Markapuram.The DGP has ruled out implicating anyone in cases without evidence and also not protecting anyone based on their political background. He said that there should be no partisan actions (bindovers) based on political affiliation.

The DGP said that those who committed and incited the violence will be clearly identified through CCTV footage, drone cameras and police body camera recordings and action will be taken. The DGP said that additional police forces have been deployed in advance at sensitive areas and nomination centers, and that the State Election Commission and police regulations regarding campaign rallies, campaign vehicles and the use of microphones must be followed.The AP DGP called on the public, politicians, and candidates to cooperate in maintaining law and order and to ensure that the elections are held transparently, and to immediately inform the police if they encounter any threats or disturbances.