The Election Commission, expressing its displeasure over the post-poll violence in Andhra Pradesh, has ordered the suspension of two SPs and 12 subordinate police officials across three districts, along with the transfer of another SP and a district collector. During a meeting at Nirvachan Sadan with the Chief Secretary and DGP of Andhra Pradesh, CEC Rajiv Kumar and ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu highlighted the failure to control the violence.
The Commission specifically targeted the SPs of Palnadu and Ananthapuramu for suspension and initiated departmental inquiries against them. The District Collector of Palnadu and the SP of Tirupati were transferred, with inquiries also initiated against them. Additionally, the Commission called for the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incidents and submit action taken reports within two days, updating FIRs with appropriate IPC sections and relevant statutory provisions.
The Election Commission emphasized the need for strict action against the culprits and tasked all SPs with implementing pre-emptive measures to prevent future violence. The Chief Secretary and DGP were instructed to ensure strict supervision and timely filing of chargesheets against those responsible, preferably within the model code of conduct period. The Commission’s firm stance aimed to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that such incidents are not repeated.