Vijayawada:Police registered cases and identified 17 accused in 14 election-related incidents reported across eight districts of Andhra Pradesh on Friday. Investigations are continuing to identify the other offenders.
Palnadu and Kadapa reported three incidents each, Anantapur and Nellore two each, while Tirupati, Kurnool, Annamayya and Markapuram one each.
DGP Harish Gupta warned political leaders and their supporters against violence, intimidation and obstruction during local body elections, stating that violations would invite stringent legal action irrespective of political affiliations.
Police, he said, intervened to end disturbances and prevent escalation. Additional forces have been deployed at sensitive nomination centres and villages, with protection and escorts provided where necessary in coordination with district administrations and election authorities.
Gupta directed Range and unit officers to personally supervise election security, address complaints of intimidation promptly, protect candidates’ access to nomination centres and preserve evidence. He warned that delayed intervention, selective enforcement and supervisory failures would invite accountability.
Political parties, candidates and organisers must comply with state election commission guidelines, the model code of conduct and applicable laws. Meetings, rallies, processions, vehicle movements and loudspeaker use must adhere to prescribed permissions, timings, routes and conditions. Unlawful gatherings, barricade breaches, roadblocks, threats and attempts to overpower police would invite firm action.
The DGP said preventive bind-over proceedings under the BNSS 2023, including Sections 126 and 129 where applicable, must be based on specific information and sufficient legal grounds. Political affiliation or an intention to contest elections alone cannot justify such proceedings. A lawful peace bond does not automatically disqualify a person from electoral participation.
Police are examining CCTV recordings, drone footage, body-worn camera recordings and videos from nomination centres, the media and the public to identify offenders, organisers and instigators. Cases will be registered promptly, with arrests wherever legally warranted.
Gupta said assaults on police personnel, threats to candidates, obstruction of election officials and property damage would invite stringent action. He stressed that enforcement would be impartial and evidence-based and appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful elections.
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