Andhra Pradesh Municipal Elections: Cash Seizures, Voter Inducement Allegations and 261 Cases Put Police on High Alert

The latest available police figures, covering October 15 to October 29, indicate that 261 election-related cases have been registered across the state. Authorities have arrested 107 people and issued notices to another 733 individuals. Meanwhile, several incidents involving alleged attempts to influence voters have also come to light.

₹4.91 Lakh Cash and Nearly ₹12 Lakh Worth of Liquor Seized

According to the Andhra Pradesh Police, enforcement operations conducted between October 15 and 29 resulted in the seizure of approximately ₹4.91 lakh in unaccounted cash.

Police also seized liquor valued at nearly ₹11.99 lakh, along with 114.1 litres of illegally distilled liquor.

In addition, authorities seized approximately 495.9 kg of ganja, estimated to be worth ₹2.94 crore, and firecrackers valued at around ₹1.49 lakh.

Police clarified that the enforcement operations were aimed at preventing illegal activities and maintaining law and order during the election period.

Visakhapatnam: Fake Currency Worth ₹66 Lakh Seized

One of the major developments reported on October 31 concerns a police operation in Visakhapatnam.

According to TV9 Telugu, police conducting inspections at a hotel near Jagadamba Junction reportedly found 22 bundles of currency notes with a stated face value of ₹66 lakh, along with a dummy firearm.

Further examination revealed that the notes were colour photocopies of ₹500 currency notes rather than genuine currency.

Four people were detained in connection with the incident. Police are investigating the alleged counterfeit-currency operation.

Importantly, the seized fake currency has not been established as money intended for distribution to voters.

Prakasam District: Alleged Attempt to Distribute Meat to Voters

Another election-related incident was reported in Ayyapparajupalem village under Chimakurthy Mandal in Prakasam district.

According to reports, police received information about an alleged plan to distribute one kilogram of mutton to each household to influence voters.

Police reportedly found that six sheep had already been slaughtered, while preparations were underway to slaughter another 14.

The authorities intervened, stopped the further slaughter and informed the election officials about the alleged violation.

The incident has drawn attention to attempts to influence voters through goods and other inducements rather than direct cash payments.

261 Election-Related Cases: Tirupati Records the Highest Number

The police department has reported considerable election-related disturbances across several districts.

The district-wise figures reported between October 15 and October 29 include:

- Tirupati – 61 cases

- YSR Kadapa – 36 cases

- Annamayya – 31 cases

- Anantapur – 26 cases

- Markapuram – 22 cases

The cases include allegations of physical attacks, clashes between political supporters, destruction of nomination papers, stone-pelting, attacks on houses, vehicle fires and intimidation of candidates.

Annamayya recorded the highest number of arrests, with 51 people taken into custody.

Security arrangements have been strengthened ahead of the November 1 elections.

Around 36,351 police personnel have been deployed across 4,372 locations. More than 12,500 polling stations have been established, with approximately 38,000 to 40,000 personnel assigned election duties.

The election authorities are also preparing for secure transportation and storage of ballot boxes until counting.

Political Significance

The developments have added another dimension to the contest between the ruling TDP-led NDA alliance and the opposition YSR Congress Party.

Both sides are keen to establish their political strength in urban local bodies. Allegations of voter inducements, intimidation and election-related violence have also become important subjects of political debate.

However, allegations against individual candidates or parties must be examined through official investigations rather than treated as established facts.

Conclusion

As Andhra Pradesh prepares for municipal polling on November 1, the focus is shifting from political campaigning to election security, voter freedom and enforcement of electoral rules.

The reported cash seizures, alleged meat distribution attempt and counterfeit-currency incident in Visakhapatnam underline the importance of strict monitoring.

With counting scheduled for November 3, the coming days will reveal not only which political party secures more municipal seats but also how effectively the authorities have protected the integrity of the electoral process.