17 persons booked in 14 election-related incidents across AP

Vijayawada: The AP police on Friday booked 17 persons in connection with 14 election-related incidents reported across eight districts in the state. The 14 incidents across eight districts include three each in Palnadu and Kadapa districts, two each in Nellore and Anantapur districts, and one each in Tirupati, Kurnool, Annamayya and Markapuram districts.The police data indicates the violence is largely concentrated and widespread across Rayalaseema districts along with Markapuram and Palnadu districts in the coastal Andhra region.Against this backdrop, AP DGP Harish Kumar Gupta directed all range and unit police officers to supervise election security and ensure prompt attention to complaints of intimidation and obstruction to civic polls in any part of the state.The DGP sternly warned political party leaders of strict action against those mobilising crowds, breaching barricades, surrounding nomination centres, blocking roads, threatening opponents and attempting to overpower them in violation of election norms.In a statement issued on Friday, the DGP said that action would be based solely on the conduct of individuals and the evidence available against them. He stressed that the same standards would be applied to offenders belonging to all political parties.Issuing a stern warning to those planning, committing or instigating disturbances, the DGP said they were examining CCTV recordings, drone footage, body-worn camera recordings and videography at nomination centres, wherever available. Footage provided by the media and members of the public was also being scrutinised as part of the investigation.The identities of those involved and their individual roles would be verified through lawful procedures, including police records and corroborating evidence, the statement said.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Vijayawada | Silver Rate in Vijayawada | Bank Holidays in Vijayawada | Public Holidays in Vijayawada | Petrol Price in Vijayawada | Diesel Price in Vijayawada | CNG Price in Vijayawada | LPG Price in VijayawadaStay updated with the latest Vijayawada news. Download the TOI App.