CM sets tough policing targets, calls for visible law enforcement across AP

VIJAYAWADA: Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed the police department to adopt technology-driven policing, improve conviction rates, curb cyber and financial crimes.

He advised the police commissioners and district superintendents of police to strengthen road safety measures across the state. The chief minister conducted an extensive review of law and order on the second day of the district collectors conference on Friday. All senior police officials including DGP Harish Kumar Gupta, IGs, CPs and SPs were present.

Naidu said that policing should create a strong deterrent effect among criminals. Calling for “visible policing” instead of “invisible police,” he said citizens should feel secure while offenders should fear committing crimes after witnessing the police response and enforcement standards. The chief minister asked officials to use technology extensively for evidence collection and speedy investigation to ensure higher conviction rates.

Referring to the state’s conviction performance, he noted that the conviction rate improved from 44% in 2025 to 49.8% in 2026 and directed the police department to raise it further to 70%.

He instructed officials to intensify awareness campaigns on cyber and financial crimes. He said a dedicated cyber war room should be established with a specialised cyber force to tackle growing digital frauds. Naidu emphasised that road accident prevention should become a major priority and directed police and other departments to work in coordination to address accident-prone black spots.

The chief minister said the police should ensure that theft cases are solved within 24 hours of receiving complaints wherever possible. During the presentation, Harish Kumar Gupta said that the overall crime rate in the state declined compared to that of last year. He stated that crimes against women came down by 7%, theft cases by 8%, financial crimes by 0.3%, and crimes against SCs and STs by 30%.

The DGP, however, said victims lost nearly ₹652 crore in cybercrimes, of which police managed to freeze ₹116 crore. He said the department registered 302 cases related to red sanders smuggling and seized nearly 50,000 kg of red sanders. Conviction in red sanders smuggling cases stood at 91%, he added.

He said police increased drone-based surveillance with over one lakh flying hours during the past year and expanded drone usage in search-and-rescue operations. Several district SPs also shared their best practices in preventing caste conflicts and reducing road accidents during the conference.
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