AP post-poll violence: SIT begins probe, visits Tirupati; action on local netas likely
The SIT would submit their preliminary investigation report to the ECI on the poll-violence incidents that occurred in the state
By Sistla Dakshina Murthy Published on 18 May 2024 10:34 AM GMT
Tirupati: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the State Government on Saturday visited the Sri Padmavathi Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam (SPMVV) campus in Tirupati and launched a detailed probe into the post-poll violence that occurred on May 14.
The SIT headed by senior IPS officer Vineet Brijlal was constituted by the AP government on Friday night. As part of their investigation, the 14-member team was divided into four teams and began their travel to Tadipatri, Chandragiri, Macherla, Gurazala and Narasaraopet to review the widespread post-poll violence that occurred on May 13, the polling day.
In Tirupati, the SIT officials gathered the details of the post-poll violence cases from the local police officials. On May 14, a group of YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) activists allegedly attacked Pulivarthi Nani, a Telugu Desam Party (TDP) candidate from Chandragiri Assembly Constituency, while he was returning from the strong room, where EVMs and VVPATs used to record polling in Chandragiri constituency had been stored.
On May 16, the Tirupati police arrested 13 persons for their alleged involvement in the attack on Pulivarthi Nani. All of them are natives of various localities in Tirupati Rural, Ramachandrapuram and Renigunta mandals.
After going through the details, the SIT has decided to re-examine the FIRs filed in the post-poll violence cases. The SIT teams would submit their preliminary investigation report to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on the poll-violence incidents that occurred in Palnadu, Tadipatri and Chandragiri.
During the ground visit, the SIT would also likely initiate action against the politicians and arrest them if they are proven guilty of the poll-violence incidents. Apart from that, stern action would be taken against the police officials who are facing allegations relating to poll-violence incidents. Director-General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta has directed Vineeth Brijlal to submit a detailed report after visiting Palnadu, Anantapur and Tirupati districts.
