Hyderabad’s top cop has drawn a firm line in the sand ahead of crucial elections. Telangana Director General of Police B. Shivdhar Reddy issued a stern warning on Friday, vowing zero tolerance for any mistreatment of government staff and police personnel deployed on election duty.
In a strongly worded statement, Reddy emphasized that no one—be it elected representatives, candidates, or party workers—is above the law. ‘Interfering with officials performing their duties will invite swift legal action,’ he declared. The DGP made it clear that assaults or rude behavior towards hardworking election staff will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
This comes in the wake of a recent incident in Sangareddy, where Inspector V. Shiv Kumar faced alleged misconduct from senior Congress leader T. Jagga Reddy at a polling station during municipal elections. Police registered an FIR against the leader under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), based on a complaint from Deputy Tehsildar Vinay Kumar, who was part of the flying surveillance team.
Video evidence of the altercation, coupled with statements from the affected officer, prompted quick action. District authorities, including the Additional Collector for local bodies, directed the filing of the case. Reddy instructed all Superintendents of Police and Commissioners to expedite investigations into such complaints and ensure rigorous follow-up.
The DGP urged political leaders and parties to cooperate with election officials, especially during vote counting, and adhere strictly to protocols. He advised channeling grievances through official channels like the State Election Commission rather than taking matters into one’s own hands.
Jagga Reddy countered by claiming provocation from police behavior, alleging humiliation of Congress workers at the booth. As tensions simmer in Telangana’s electoral landscape, Reddy’s message underscores a commitment to protecting frontline election workers. With municipal polls underway, authorities are bracing for heightened vigilance to maintain order and fairness.