Telangana’s Director General of Police, B. Shivdhar Reddy, emphasized that severe measures will be taken against individuals engaging in illegal activities targeting government employees and police involved in election operations. He cautioned against any form of abuse or assault on the dedicated staff striving to conduct elections in compliance with regulations. Reddy stressed that the law applies to everyone, including public representatives and political party members, and any hindrance to officials in carrying out their responsibilities will face legal consequences.
The DGP reiterated that stringent actions will be taken against anyone unlawfully targeting government and police personnel on election duties, irrespective of their political affiliations. He advised that grievances against such employees should be reported to the State Election Commission or higher authorities rather than resorting to vigilante actions. Reddy instructed district police superintendents and commissioners to promptly investigate cases of assaults on government and police employees during elections and take necessary steps.
Reddy urged political leaders and groups to support election staff and adhere to regulations during the vote counting process. His statement coincided with the commencement of vote counting for municipal elections conducted in 116 municipalities and seven corporations. Notably, an FIR was filed against senior Congress leader T. Jagga Reddy for allegedly verbally abusing Inspector V Shiva Kumar during polling in Sangareddy municipality’s 34th ward.
The police took action following a complaint lodged by K Vinay Kumar, a Deputy Tahsildar overseeing the municipal elections. Jagga Reddy defended his actions, attributing them to alleged misconduct by the police towards Congress workers during the polls. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining decorum and respecting the election process, especially towards those involved in ensuring its smooth conduct.
