Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed the police to take strict action against individuals who threaten people with “rappa rappa” intimidation and those who abuse others on social media. He stressed that criminal activities would not be tolerated under political protection and urged officers to perform their duties without fear or favour.
Naidu made these remarks on Tuesday while addressing Police Commemoration Day events at the Andhra Pradesh Special Police Sixth Battalion in Mangalagiri. He paid floral tributes to police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty, followed by a minute of silence attended by Home Minister V. Anitha, the Director General of Police, the Chief Secretary and senior police officials.
Chandrababu Naidu Highlights Police Sacrifices
The Chief Minister recalled the significance of October 21, observed as Police Commemoration Day in memory of 10 policemen killed while resisting a Chinese attack in Ladakh in 1959. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by police personnel to protect national security and maintain public safety.
Naidu noted that police officers remain on duty during festivals, public gatherings, VIP security arrangements and emergencies, often sacrificing time with their families. He referred to events such as Dasara celebrations at Kanaka Durga temple and Vijayawada Utsav, highlighting the role of the police in maintaining order and ensuring public safety.
He also praised the Andhra Pradesh Police for handling faction-related violence, extremism, communal tensions and complex criminal investigations. Naidu appreciated the AP Counter Intelligence wing for detecting conspiracies that could have posed a threat to national security.
Law and Order Essential for Development
Naidu said maintaining law and order was closely linked to investment, employment, economic development and public welfare. He observed that businesses would be reluctant to invest in areas affected by insecurity and instability.
The Chief Minister said the state was working towards building a prosperous, healthy and happy Andhra Pradesh, with the police playing an important role in achieving that goal. He called for people-friendly policing and said individuals approaching police stations should receive respectful and compassionate treatment.
According to Naidu, victims must have confidence in the police, while criminals should fear the consequences of their actions. He also stressed that preventing crimes was an important measure of effective policing, beyond simply solving cases after they occurred.
Technology, Cybercrime and Public Safety
Addressing emerging challenges, Naidu warned that cybercriminals were using phone calls, links and messages to steal people's savings. He called on the police to modernise investigation methods and make greater use of CCTV cameras, data analysis, drones and artificial intelligence.
He said the Andhra Pradesh Police should establish a strong reputation for technology-driven policing. The Chief Minister also commended Eagle teams for their efforts against ganja and drug-related offences.
Naidu emphasised the need to strengthen women's safety and improve road safety, pointing out that fatal accidents can devastate entire families. He urged the police to ensure that accident-prevention measures produce visible results.
He also encouraged police personnel to maintain their physical and mental well-being through yoga and meditation, given the pressures associated with their profession.
Concluding his address, Naidu said every citizen should feel safe about their life and property. He assured continued government support for the families of police personnel who died on duty and pledged attention to the welfare of serving officers.
