Andhra police deploy over 36,000 personnel for peaceful local body polls

Andhra Pradesh Police have deployed 36,351 personnel at 4,372 locations across the state to ensure peaceful and fair urban local body elections. The DGP said 261 election-related cases were registered during the nomination process, leading to 107 arrests and preventive action against hundreds of individuals amid incidents of violence, intimidation and disturbances.

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh police have deployed over 36,351 personnel at 4,372 locations across the state as part of elaborate security arrangements to ensure free, fair and peaceful local body elections, the state DGP said on Friday.

Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta said that between October 15 and 29, a total of 261 election-related cases were registered across the state, with Tirupati district reporting the highest number at 61, followed by YSR Kadapa (36), Annamayya (31), Anantapur (26) and Markapuram (22).

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“Extensive security arrangements have been put in place across Andhra Pradesh, with 36,351 police personnel deployed at 4,372 locations to ensure free, fair and peaceful conduct of the local body elections,” he said in an official press release.

In connection with these cases, 107 persons were arrested, while notices under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were issued to 733 persons.

Annamayya district reported the highest number of arrests at 51, followed by Tirupati with 27, YSR Kadapa (16), Prakasam (eight) and Kurnool (five).

The cases were registered in connection with election-related violence and disturbances during the nomination process, including physical attacks, clashes between political party supporters, snatching and destruction of nomination papers, hurling of stones, attacks on houses, setting vehicles on fire and obstruction of candidates from filing nominations. Police personnel were also attacked, while incidents of road blockades and intimidation were reported across several districts.

Among others, police executed 2,726 pending non-bailable warrants as part of a special enforcement drive.

During statewide inspections and enforcement operations, police seized cash worth Rs 4.9 lakh, liquor valued at nearly Rs 12 lakh and 114.1 litres of illicitly distilled liquor worth Rs 39,000.

They also seized 496 kg of ganja valued at Rs 2.9 crore and firecrackers worth Rs 1.4 lakh.

The police department has put in place elaborate security arrangements at polling stations, distribution centres for polling materials, strong rooms where ballot boxes are kept and other sensitive locations to ensure round-the-clock security.

The police warned that any attempt to influence voters through intimidation, attacks, illegal weapons, inducements or other unlawful activities would invite stringent legal action, irrespective of the position or political influence of those involved.

“The right to vote is one of the most valuable rights in a democracy, and every voter must be able to exercise their franchise freely without fear, pressure or inducement,” Gupta said.

Police personnel have been instructed to remain vigilant round the clock while strict action would be taken against those attempting to disturb public order, obstruct the polling process or intimidate voters through violent activities, police said.

The police department appealed to all political parties, candidates and members of the public to cooperate with the authorities in maintaining law and order during the election process.

The elections are being held across 100 urban local bodies, comprising 13 municipal corporations and 87 municipalities and Nagar Panchayats. The State Election Commission issued a revised schedule on October 22, following a Supreme Court directive.

As per the revised schedule, the final list of contesting candidates was published on October 25, while polling is scheduled for November 1 from 7 AM to 5 PM. Repolling, if necessary, will be held on November 2, with counting of votes scheduled for November 3 from 8 AM onwards.