VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta has ordered a comprehensive probe into 41 election-related incidents across 20 districts following the conclusion of voting in 92 urban local bodies on Sunday. Polling across 13 municipal corporations and 79 municipalities and nagar panchayats concluded peacefully overall, barring scattered disruptions in districts such as Kadapa, Kurnool, and Anantapur. District police authorities have been instructed to verify complaints, establish the facts, and initiate strict legal proceedings against those found responsible.
Continuous Monitoring from Command Control Centre
The state police headquarters tracked the entire polling process through its Integrated Command Control Centre, where DGP Gupta personally reviewed ground reports and coordinated security measures. Senior officers and field personnel received directions to act immediately on any report of unrest that could disrupt voting. Heavy personnel deployments were stationed across sensitive and highly sensitive polling pockets to prevent clashes, deter intimidation, and maintain general public order.
Technological Surveillance Across Polling Booths
To bolster conventional security measures, law enforcement agencies deployed an array of surveillance technologies during polling operations. Officers made extensive use of drones, videography, body-worn cameras, and the Samartha App to document activities and monitor sensitive locations. The command centre used these live feeds to review field conditions in real time, enabling state authorities to relay alerts directly to district units whenever issues arose.
Strict Security for Ballot Boxes and Inquiry Follow-Up
Issuing a stern warning against electoral malpractice, the state police chief stated that individuals who attempted to disrupt polling or undermine public order will face legal action regardless of their standing. The 41 reported cases are being examined by local police units based on substantiated evidence rather than initial claims. Following the close of voting, the DGP directed district administrations to transport ballot boxes to designated strong rooms under tight security escorts, maintaining continuous vigilance around the storage facilities until the counting process begins.
