Hyderabad: Director General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy on Tuesday instructed police officials to conduct municipal elections strictly as per law and maintain peace.
Through a video conference, he addressed police commissioners, district superintendents, and station house officers.
Ahead of the polls, the DGP said elections will take place in seven municipal corporations and 116 municipalities. Accordingly, he asked officers to ensure effective policing in 414 corporation wards and 2,582 municipal wards.
Specifically, he referred to Khammam, Karimnagar, Mahabubnagar, Mancherial, Nizamabad, Nalgonda, Ramagundam, and Kothagudem areas.
Polling will take place on February 11. Subsequently, officials will conduct counting on February 13.
Therefore, he urged officers to follow election rules carefully. He said disciplined conduct would enhance the image of the police department and the government.
Municipal elections: strict enforcement and vigilance
To prevent problems, Shivadhar Reddy directed officials to stop complaints and untoward incidents. Moreover, he asked them to act firmly against every violation.
He warned police to take strict action against voter inducement and liquor distribution. In addition, he cautioned officers against illegal posters, obscene advertisements, and communal provocations.
Referring to the Arms Act, the DGP said licensed weapon holders must deposit arms at police stations. Otherwise, violators may face imprisonment of up to three years.
During the meeting, Hyderabad Police Legal Adviser Sri Ramulu briefed officers on election-related laws.
He explained provisions of the Disfigurement of Public Places Act, 1997, the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the Prevention of Misuse of Religious Institutions Act, 1988, and the Telangana Municipalities Act, 2019.