Andhra post-poll violence: ECI directs MHA to retain 25 CAPF companies after counting on June 4

New Delhi [India], May 16 : The Election Commission on Thursday directed the Union Home Ministry to retain 25 companies of central forces in Andhra Pradesh even after the counting of votes on June 4 following post-poll violence in the state.
The poll body conveyed its displeasure over the post-poll violence in Andhra Pradesh at a meeting in New Delhi and directed the Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to ensure that such violence is not repeated.
"All SPs are to be tasked to take pre-emptive measures to avoid such a situation in future," the Election Commission said.
The Commission reviewed the cases at their level and directed CS and DGP for strict supervision, to ensure appropriate decisions on the timely filing of chargesheet against the culprits, as per law, preferably within the model code of conduct period.
During the briefing, the Chief Secretary and DGP shared their assessment of negligence and lack of supervision on the part of officials in violence-hit districts.
The Commission also approved the following proposals of the State Government: Transfer of District Collector, Palnadu and initiation of departmental. Suspension of SP, Palnadu and SP, Ananthapuramu districts and initiation of departmental enquiry. Transfer of SP, Tirupati and initiation of departmental enquiry. Suspension of 12 subordinate police officials in these three districts (Palnadu, Anathapuramu and Tirupati) and initiation of departmental enquiry.
"A Special Investigation team to investigate the matter and submit an action taken report to the Commission within two days in each of the cases. FIRs to be updated with additional appropriate IPC sections and other relevant statutory provisions," the poll body said.
"The Commission decided to direct the Ministry of Home Affairs to retain the 25 CAPF companies in Andhra Pradesh for 15 days after counting, to control any violence after declaration of results," an official statement said.
Several incidents of violence were reported in Ananthapuramu, Palnadu and Tirupati districts on the poll-day and post-poll day.
Incidents were also reported before the poll involving assault, setting the property/office of the opposite party on fire, threatening, damaging the campaign vehicles, stone pelting etc. Most of these incidents happened in the districts of Annamaya, Chittoor and Palnadu and a few incidents in Guntur, Anantapur Nandyal etc.
The polling in Andhra Pradesh for 175 Assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha seats were held in a single phase on May 13.