Andhra Pradesh CM Orders Zero Tolerance for Digital, Political Crimes
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has mandated a strict zero-tolerance policy for digital offenses, political crimes, and crimes against women. The directive emphasizes leveraging technology for enhanced crime prevention and investigation.
Key takeaways
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed the police to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to digital offenses and political crimes.
- The directive emphasizes the need for stricter and more effective policing in response to the changing nature of crime.
- The chief minister called for greater use of technology in crime prevention and investigation.
- A network of approximately one lakh CCTV cameras is integrated with facial recognition and DNA technology for investigations.
- Concerns were raised about the glorification of criminals on social media and the increasing association of disturbances with ganja use.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has instructed the state police to implement a zero-tolerance approach toward various offenses, including political crimes, digital crimes, and offenses against women. The directive, issued during a video conference with approximately 1,650 police officers across 1,200 stations, calls for more effective policing to address the evolving nature of criminal activity.
Naidu stressed that political affiliations should not offer protection to criminals or facilitate anti-social behavior. He specifically raised concerns about motorcycle stunts during political rallies that endanger public safety and prolonged road blockades by political parties that impede public convenience and emergency services. The Chief Minister highlighted that even minor lapses in maintaining law and order could negatively impact the entire police system.
The chief minister also pointed to the rapid evolution of crime, with digital offenses, online abuse, and obscenity posing significant challenges. He urged the police to increase their use of technology in both crime prevention and investigations. While acknowledging a 14% decline in cognizable crimes over the past two years, Naidu cautioned against complacency, noting that technology is utilized by both law enforcement and offenders.
The state has established a network of approximately one lakh cameras, integrating 14,770 government-installed CCTVs with private ones. Facial recognition and DNA-based technologies are also being employed in investigations. Naidu advocated for an "Invisible Police, Visible Policing" strategy to build public trust while commanding respect and instilling fear in anti-social elements.
Furthermore, Naidu expressed concern about individuals encouraging drug use, particularly ganja, and the portrayal of criminals as heroes on social media. He called for public discourse on crimes committed by individuals with behavioral and mental health issues and urged social media platforms to refrain from glorifying criminal conduct. The government is also working on establishing a national organization to combat drug use and is directing officials to expand anti-drug campaigns.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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