The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken strong action in response to the recent outbreaks of post-election violence across Palnadu, Anantapur, and Tirupati districts. As a result, the Commission has suspended the Superintendents of Police (SPs) in Palnadu and Anantapur districts, namely Bindhu Madhav and Amit Bardar respectively. Additionally, a departmental inquiry has been initiated into these suspensions.
Furthermore, the Commission has ordered the transfer of Palnadu’s District Collector, Siva Sankar Lotheti, and Tirupati’s SP, Krishna Kanth Patel. These decisions come alongside the initiation of departmental inquiries. The orders about the suspension of two SPs and the transfer of a District Collector and SP were issued today by the Election Commission.
In addition to these measures, the Election Commission has also directed the suspension of 12 subordinate police officials across the three affected districts and initiated departmental inquiries against them.
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A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been tasked with investigating these incidents and submitting an action taken report to the Commission within two days for each case. The Commission has also mandated the updating of FIRs with additional appropriate IPC sections and relevant statutory provisions.
Recalling the severity of the situation, the Election Commission has summoned the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) of Andhra Pradesh to New Delhi to provide a personal explanation for the failure of the administration to contain the post-election violence.
Numerous incidents of violence, including assaults, arson, threats, damage to campaign vehicles, and stone-pelting, were reported in the districts of Anantapur, Palnadu, and Tirupati during and after polling days. Additionally, pre-poll incidents occurred, predominantly in Annamaya, Chittoor, and Palnadu districts, with a few reported in Guntur, Anantapur, and Nandyal.
During a meeting at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi on Thursday, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, the Commission expressed its dismay over the post-election violence in Andhra Pradesh. The Chief Secretary and DGP were directed to ensure that such violence does not recur, with all SPs instructed to take preemptive measures to prevent similar situations in the future.
Furthermore, the Commission has decided to request the Ministry of Home Affairs to retain 25 CRPF companies in Andhra Pradesh for 15 days following the announcement of election results to control any potential violence.
