YSRCP MP Gurumoorthy has urged authorities to remove several IPS officers, including DIG Koya Praveen, Annamayya SP Dheeraj Kanubilli and Kadapa SP Shelke Nachiket Vishwanath, from election duties over allegations of bias during the Andhra Pradesh local body elections.
Gurumoorthy has written letters to the President of India, the Chief Justice of India (CJI), the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commissioner, the Union Home Secretary, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), and the Governor, seeking action against the officers.
Gurumoorthy Raises Concerns Over Police Neutrality
In his letters, Gurumoorthy recalled that DIG Koya Praveen was removed from election duties during the 2019 elections over allegations of biased conduct. He argued that reappointing the officer to election-related responsibilities violated the applicable rules.
The YSRCP MP also sought an independent inquiry into the alleged violation of High Court directions, police bias, and failures in election monitoring.
Allegations of Attacks and Nomination Obstruction
Gurumoorthy alleged that TDP workers attacked Rajampet MP P. Mithun Reddy and YSRCP candidates in Punganur. He also claimed that nominations were obstructed in several areas of Kadapa and Annamayya districts, including Pulivendula, Kamalapuram, Rajampet, Badvel and Proddatur.
According to the allegations outlined in his letter, no YSRCP candidate could file a nomination in Punganur. He further claimed that TDP candidates were present in 46 of the 47 seats in Kamalapuram and that only TDP candidates were in the contest for the chairperson’s post in Badvel.
These claims were raised by Gurumoorthy in his representation to the authorities.
Demand for Independent Investigation and Candidate Protection
Gurumoorthy called for the removal of DIG Koya Praveen, Annamayya SP Dheeraj Kanubilli and Kadapa SP Shelke Nachiket Vishwanath from election duties.
He also requested an independent investigation into the alleged incidents by collecting CCTV footage, video recordings, complaints and FIRs. In addition, he urged the authorities to provide adequate security to candidates contesting the local body elections.
The developments have raised concerns over police neutrality, candidate safety and the fair conduct of local body elections in Andhra Pradesh. The allegations require examination by the competent authorities.
