Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Directs Police to Counter Misinformation and Enhance Crime-Fighting Capabilities
Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh – Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed the state police department to take decisive action against the spread of misinformation targeting the government. He emphasized the importance of real-time tracking and prompt action to debunk false narratives, particularly those circulating online. Citing a recent incident involving the dissemination of over 750 misleading posts on social media platforms originating from the USA, the Chief Minister stressed the need to address such attempts to create discord between the government and farmers. He expressed concern about the potential damage caused by deliberate misinformation campaigns and urged the police to leverage technology to identify and expose those responsible.
Naidu’s directive came during a discussion on law and order at the Collectors’ Conference held in Vijayawada. He expressed concern over the rising trend of cybercrime, noting a 16% increase despite an overall 4% decrease in the state’s crime rate. The Chief Minister highlighted the financial impact of cybercrime, with citizens losing approximately Rs 30 crore every month. Acknowledging the increasing sophistication of criminals utilizing technology, Naidu urged the police force to enhance their skills and adopt advanced methods to combat new-age crimes. He stressed the necessity for continuous training and development to equip officers with the tools and expertise required to effectively address the evolving landscape of cyber threats.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the critical need to address drug-related issues, particularly the cultivation, transportation, and use of ganja. He directed district Superintendents of Police (SPs) to intensify surveillance and implement stringent measures to curb these activities. While acknowledging that eradicating drug problems requires sustained effort, Naidu emphasized the importance of achieving tangible results through consistent and focused action. He further emphasized the need for increased vigilance and targeted operations to disrupt drug networks and bring perpetrators to justice.
Furthermore, Naidu underscored the importance of enhancing public safety through the strategic deployment of CCTV cameras. He urged SPs to expand surveillance coverage in their respective jurisdictions to deter crime and aid in investigations. Expressing concern over the high rate of road accidents, the Chief Minister attributed a significant portion, 90%, to a lack of regulation. He directed authorities to strengthen enforcement and implement effective measures to improve road safety and reduce accidents. He emphasized the importance of promoting responsible driving behavior and enacting stringent penalties for traffic violations.
In the context of crime investigation, Naidu stressed the importance of swift police response and preservation of crime scenes. Citing the Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy murder case as an example, he criticized the inaction of the local Circle Inspector, who allegedly failed to secure the crime scene adequately. The Chief Minister called for improvements in forensic capabilities and the wider use of trained dogs in investigations, directing SPs to ensure that each sub-division has at least one trained canine unit. He underscored the significance of preserving evidence and maintaining the integrity of crime scenes to ensure successful prosecutions.
Highlighting the crucial link between internal security and tourism, Naidu advocated for the deployment of advanced surveillance equipment, especially as bandwidth capacity increases in various districts. He pledged government support in providing information linked with Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) and ensuring real-time information flow to police personnel through the AWARE system, covering 42 key parameters. He envisioned a comprehensive network linking government agencies and law enforcement to enhance situational awareness and responsiveness. The Chief Minister also advocated for a “visible policing, invisible police” model, similar to that employed in Singapore, aimed at achieving a balance between reassurance and effective crime prevention without being overly intrusive.
Chief Minister Naidu also directed attention to several specific cases requiring thorough investigation, including the Subrahmanyam murder, the Dr. Sudhakar case, the Chandraiah murder, and the Amarnath Goud case. He stated that the suspicious death of a tribal girl in Kurnool district would be referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for an impartial inquiry. He reiterated the commitment to ensuring justice in all cases, regardless of the victim’s background.
Finally, Naidu set a target of a 30% reduction in the overall crime rate compared to the previous year. He emphasized the importance of building public trust and confidence in the law enforcement agencies, stressing that citizens should perceive a sense of firmness and efficiency in the maintenance of law and order. He urged the police force to work diligently towards achieving this goal and improving public satisfaction with their services. He concluded by underscoring the significance of a secure and stable environment for the overall development and prosperity of the state.