Section 144 in Andhra Pradesh: As part of the restrictions, no more than four people can gather anywhere and due to recent violent incidents in some districts, stringent security measures will be implemented ahead of counting day.
Andhra Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections: Section 144 was imposed in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh after the recent incidents of violence in the state ahead of counting of Lok Sabha votes on June 4. Giving details, Additional Superintendent of Police (SP), Guntur District, Nachikethan told ANI, “Section 144 is in effect throughout the district till the counting day. No more than four people can gather anywhere. Additionally, due to recent violent incidents in some districts, stringent security measures will be implemented ahead of counting day.”
“A mock anti-raid drill was conducted on Wednesday for the district police and CRP team in preparation for the election counting. This drill aims to familiarise the police on how to handle situations where anti-element forces disrupt peace and security. All wings of the police force participated in this drill to showcase their preparedness to the public,” added the official.
Section 144: Check Full List of Restrictions
- Unlawful assembly of five or more people banned.
- Unauthorised processions or demonstrations banned.
- political or religious gatherings are banned.
- Use of private drones in a radius of 1 km of government establishments banned.
- People from carrying sticks, rods, tridents, swords, and firearms in public places banned.
- Namaz, pooja, or any type of religious processions will be completely prohibited in public places.
Earlier, on Wednesday, the Election Commission (EC) took serious note of the allegations of damage to an electronic voting machine (EVM) by YSRCP MLA P Ramakrishna Reddy and launched a probe against him.
YSRCP MLA Caught Vandalising EVM
The action followed days after the YSRCP MLA was allegedly caught on the web camera vandalising an EVM at a polling centre in the Macharla constituency of Palnadu district.
A video of the alleged incident involving the ruling YSRCP MLA surfaced, after which the poll panel handed over the video clips to the state police, asking them to assist in the investigation.
In a similar incident of violence on Tuesday, an Ambedkar statue at Agraharam village in Pithapuram of Kakinada district was allegedly vandalised by unidentified persons, leading to a ruckus in the vicinity and disrupting vehicular movement.
The police assured strict action against the vandals after the Dalits gathered in protest, demanding justice.
(With Inputs From ANI)
