ECI Takes Tough Stand Against Post-Poll Violence in Andhra Pradesh

In a meeting at Nirvachan Sadan, the Election Commission of India (ECI), led by CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar and ECs Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, expressed strong displeasure over post-poll violence in Andhra Pradesh. The Commission directed the Chief Secretary (CS) and Director General of Police (DGP) to prevent such violence in the future, instructing all SPs to take preemptive measures.

The Commission reviewed the cases and directed strict supervision for the timely filing of chargesheets. The CS and DGP highlighted negligence by officials in affected districts. The Commission approved the following measures:

1. Transfer of Palnadu District Collector and initiation of departmental enquiry.
2. Suspension and departmental enquiry for SPs of Palnadu and Ananthapuramu districts.
3. Transfer of SP, Tirupati, and initiation of departmental enquiry.
4. Suspension of 12 subordinate police officials in Palnadu, Ananthapuramu, and Tirupati.
5. Special Investigation Team to submit an action report within two days and update FIRs with additional IPC sections.
6. Retention of 25 CAPF companies for 15 days post-results to manage potential violence.

The ECI had summoned the CS and DGP to New Delhi to explain the administration’s failure to contain violence. Incidents were reported in Ananthapuramu, Palnadu, and Tirupati on poll day and afterward, including assaults, arson, threats, and property damage in several districts.