In the recent assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, there were incidents of violence involving supporters of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP). However, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has focused its attention on the police officials, blaming them for the breakdown of law and order.
A special investigation team (SIT), led by Inspector General of Police Vineet Brijlal, was formed by the ECI to look into the matter. The SIT’s main focus is on the alleged failure of the police in controlling the violence, rather than identifying the political leaders and their followers involved in the incidents.
The SIT began its investigation by examining the actions of police officials in Palnadu, Anantapur, and Tirupati districts. They scrutinized the call records of these officials to determine if there was any collusion with politicians that hindered prompt action.
Additionally, the SIT interviewed investigating officers in the affected areas to assess the progress of cases filed after the violence. Their findings are expected to be submitted to the ECI by Monday.
In response to the ECI’s directives, the state government appointed new superintendents of police (SP) in the districts where violence occurred. Malika Garg, Harshavardhan Raju, and Gautami Shalini were appointed as SPs of Palnadu, Tirupati, and Anantapur respectively.
Furthermore, the ECI took disciplinary action against certain police officials. Palnadu SP Bindu Madhav and Anantapuram SP Amit Bardar were suspended, while Tirupati SP Krishna Kant Patel and collector Siva Shankar Lotheti were transferred. The commission also initiated departmental inquiries against them and 12 other subordinate police officials in these districts.
