Amaravati: Concerns over the safety of women and girls are growing in Andhra Pradesh following a series of reported incidents involving murder, sexual assault, harassment, robbery and attacks across several districts. The incidents have triggered a wider debate over women’s safety in Andhra Pradesh, police response, crime prevention and the measures being taken by the state government.
The issue has also become a political point of contention between the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led coalition government and the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). While the government maintains that crimes against women have declined and highlights digital safety initiatives such as the Shakti system, the YSRCP has questioned whether these measures are sufficient to ensure the safety of women and girls.
Recent Incidents Raise Safety Concerns
Several recent cases have added to concerns over public safety in the state.
In Vijayawada’s New Rajarajeshwaripeta, a 19-year-old woman, identified as Mahalakshmi, was reportedly stabbed to death by a 22-year-old man following a personal dispute. The accused allegedly later died by suicide after jumping from a nearby building.
In Guntur, a woman was allegedly assaulted and publicly stripped following a dispute related to a borewell. The incident sparked widespread criticism and demands for strict action against those responsible. The name of local TDP leader Mallela Murthy was also reportedly linked to the controversy.
Visakhapatnam has also witnessed incidents raising concerns about public security. Reports said seven chain-snatching incidents occurred in areas including Kancharapalem, One Town and Gajuwaka on the same day. In another incident, an elderly woman was allegedly tied up during a robbery, with gold ornaments and cash reportedly stolen from her residence.
Crimes Against Minor Girls Under Focus
Cases involving minor girls have further intensified concerns about women and child safety in Andhra Pradesh.
In Ongole, police reportedly registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after allegations that two minor girls from a BC Welfare Hostel were taken to the residence of a retired employee. The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights is also reported to have sought a report on the incident.
Reports of an alleged sexual assault on a 10-year-old girl in Railway Kodur and an attack on a woman in Vijayawada’s Vambay Colony have also attracted attention. An allegation by a woman sub-inspector that she faced harassment while travelling with her family has added to the broader discussion about women’s security.
Other incidents, including the investigation into the death of a girl in Anakapalli and reported sexual violence in Hindupur, have also raised questions about the effectiveness of the state’s existing safety mechanisms.
Disha System Becomes a Political Flashpoint
The controversy over women’s safety in Andhra Pradesh has also brought the previous government’s Disha system back into political debate.
The YSRCP government had introduced the Disha system with the stated objective of ensuring a faster police response, quicker investigation and speedy justice in crimes against women and children.
The system included dedicated police stations, special courts and mechanisms aimed at speeding up investigations. Former Chief Minister and YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has criticised the coalition government’s decision to discontinue the Disha system, describing it as a setback for women and girls in the state.
According to figures cited by the previous government, the Disha app had more than 1.51 crore downloads, while police reportedly responded to and resolved 31,607 SOS calls received through the application.
The previous government also said that 18 dedicated police stations had been established and around 13,500 women police personnel were deployed through village and ward secretariats.
It further stated that 13 special POCSO courts and 12 special courts for cases involving women had been established. A database containing details of around 2.17 lakh people identified in connection with crimes was also cited as part of the system.
According to the figures presented by the previous government, the average time taken to complete investigations declined from 156 days in 2017 to 28 days in 2022.
Coalition Government Highlights Shakti System
The present coalition government has been highlighting the Shakti system operated by the Andhra Pradesh Police’s Women and Child Safety Wing.
The system allows women to send SOS alerts during emergencies, with information being forwarded to the concerned local police station. Authorities have also highlighted tracking facilities intended to improve women’s safety while travelling.
The government has maintained that such technology-driven initiatives can strengthen the state’s response to emergencies involving women.
Is Technology Enough to Ensure Women’s Safety?
While mobile applications and digital emergency services can improve access to police assistance, critics argue that technology alone cannot guarantee women’s safety.
The key questions remain whether police respond quickly to complaints, whether investigations are completed within a reasonable timeframe, whether accused persons are prosecuted effectively and whether victims receive timely justice.
The effectiveness of women safety measures in Andhra Pradesh therefore depends not only on emergency applications but also on policing, investigation, prosecution, special courts and victim support mechanisms.
The political debate over the Disha system and Shakti system is likely to continue. However, beyond political arguments, the larger challenge for the government is to create an environment in which women and girls can live, travel and work without fear.
Ultimately, effective policing, speedy investigation and timely justice will be the real measures of the state’s commitment to women’s safety.
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