SIT Investigation on Violence in AP Elections

Vijayawada: Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy announced the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) on Friday to investigate the post-poll violence in Andhra Pradesh, following the directives of the Chief Election Commissioner. The 13-member SIT will be led by Vineet Brijlal, an IG rank officer currently heading the Special Investigation Bureau (SIB). The team’s primary responsibility is to thoroughly investigate each violent incident and ensure that FIRs are filed with appropriate legal sections. The SIT is expected to complete its investigation and submit a report within two days.

The violence that erupted in various parts of the state before and after polling day on May 13 prompted the Election Commission of India (ECI) to implement significant administrative changes. The ECI summoned Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to its headquarters to explain the reasons for the post-poll violence, emphasizing the need to uphold the Model Code of Conduct for peaceful elections under active monitoring.

In response to the unrest, the ECI instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs to deploy 25 central armed police forces in Andhra Pradesh for 15 days post-election. Dissatisfied with the handling of the post-poll violence, the ECI transferred officials and formed the SIT to conduct a thorough investigation. The incidents of violence followed the Lok Sabha and assembly elections, with accusations flying between YSRCP and TDP leaders.