Andhra Pradesh police prepare for local body elections

State police chief Harish Kumar Gupta has ordered advance planning and heightened monitoring in areas at risk of disruptions.

Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta has asked police chiefs in the Rayalaseema region to prepare in advance for local body elections. At a meeting on October 9, he directed them to assess resource needs, identify potential troublemakers and step up monitoring in sensitive localities and vulnerable polling stations.

Police were also told to track the movement of cash, liquor, gifts and weapons. CCTV cameras, drones and command centres were proposed for surveillance. Police night patrols, meetings with residents and searches are planned in localities considered at higher risk.

Gupta urged district chiefs to share information and take preventive steps before polling begins. The Hindu report did not give a specific date for the elections. The directives concern advance planning and maintaining order during the election period.