Violence during run up to AP civic polls: SEC transfers 2

: The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission on Sunday ordered the immediate transfer of the Collectors of Guntur and Chittoor districtsfollowing complaints of "large-scale irregularities" and outbreak of violence in the process for conduct of elections to rural and urban local bodies.

Acting on complaints from opposition parties, the SEC cracked the whip, even as the elections, slated for later this month, were put off in view of the threat of coronavirus.

The SEC also ordered the transfer of Guntur Rural and Tirupati Urban Superintendents of Police with immediate effect.

A release from the SEC said State Election Commissioner N Ramesh Kumar ordered the suspension of Macherla police inspector for 'failure' to discharge his duties effectively.

The SEC ordered the transfer of Palamaneru sub-divisional police officer and circle inspectors of Punganuru, Tadipatri and Rayadurgam, the release added.

Opposition parties in the state have filed a series of complaints with the SEC about the alleged biased actions of the officials concerned in the backdrop of violence in several districts and 'denial' of opportunity to opposition candidates to file their nominations for the local bodies elections.

On March 11, violent incidents were reported from different districts, the last day for filing of nominations for the local body elections.

It was alleged that ruling YSR Congress workers were involved in the attacks in which TDP, BJP and Jana Sena leaders were injured, a charge rejected by the ruling party.