Andhra Pradesh SEC removes police officers over election misconduct

The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) has ordered the removal of three police officers from both regular and election-related duties following allegations of misconduct during local body elections.

In Palnadu district, Sub-Inspector Priyanka has been relieved of her duties following reports that she pushed former minister Vidadala Rajini to the ground at her residence. The incident reportedly occurred while the former minister was under house arrest and resisting efforts to prevent a ZPTC nominee from collecting necessary nomination documents. State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha has directed the Palnadu Superintendent of Police to conduct an impartial inquiry, including the review of video footage, and to initiate disciplinary action.

In Annamayya district, Circle Inspector K. Dastagiri and Sub-Inspector P. Ramakrishna were ordered to be relieved following reports of negligence and partisan conduct. These officers allegedly obstructed the filing of nominations at the Mandal Parishad Development Office. The SEC has mandated that the respective superintendents of police confirm the removal of these officers and submit reports on subsequent disciplinary actions by November 5.