The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the State government arrived in Tadipatri town to investigate election-related violence that began on polling day (May 13) and continued for two days until May 15. The Central Election Commission had expressed concern over the violence and ordered the formation of an SIT to conduct a full-fledged investigation.
The team, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (ACB-Ongole) V. Srinivasa Rao, began its investigation by examining the violent incidents that occurred on polling day, and an altercation between Municipal Chairman J.C. Prabhakar Reddy and local MLA Kethireddy Pedda Reddy in Tadipatri. The team was also said to have probed the actions of Rajampeta Deputy SP V. Chaitanya and other police officials who were drafted to Tadipatri to contain the post-poll violence.
Given the long-standing political rivalry between the Prabhakar Reddy and Pedda Reddy families, questions were raised on the adequacy of police measures and their handling of the situation. The team is said to have inquired into how the violence escalated to a point where stones were pelted at senior police officials, and the allegations against Mr. Chaitanya who was earlier posted as Deputy SP in Tadipatri. The SIT also meticulously reviewed records at the Tadipatri Urban police station, besides holding discussions with V. Shemushi, who took charge as the new DIG of Anantapur.
