Naidu pays tributes to Police Martyrs, vows full support to maintain law and order

Rich tributes were paid to police martyrs on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day 2025, organised on Tuesday (October 21, 2025) at the 6th Battalion grounds in Mangalagiri. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, who attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest, lauded the sacrifices and major achievements of the State police and assured them of the government’s full support in maintaining law and order.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Naidu said that maintaining proper law and order is essential for attracting investments and fostering confidence among industries. “The police should create fear among criminals across the State, and the government will stand firmly behind them,” he said.

Mr. Naidu recalled that the police have always been at the forefront in protecting citizens, often risking their own lives. “They may appear hard and strict, but they are the first responders to any public problem,” he noted, appreciating the department’s selfless service. He cited instances of compassionate policing, including a constable from Penamaluru Police Station who bought slippers for underprivileged school students.

Emphasising on modernisation, the Chief Minister said that criminals are using advanced technologies to commit crimes, and the police must upgrade their systems and skills to stay ahead. “Visible policing and invisible police should be encouraged,” he said, adding that factionalism must be suppressed with an iron hand.

Referring to the State’s growing investment climate, Mr. Naidu said that global companies like Google had shown confidence in Andhra Pradesh’s governance. However, he alleged that some political leaders were trying to create disturbances to hamper investments.

He also condemned recent incidents, including the burning of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s statue, stating that the police acted timely and established the evidence through CCTV footage. Referring to a car accident of former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy in Guntur in which a person died, the Chief Minister said that they ignored victims, but police personnel rushed them to hospitals, demonstrating their humanitarian spirit.

The Chief Minister further urged police to act sternly against the spread of misinformation on social media. “Social media has become a big challenge as there are no editors or auditors. Misuse of these platforms must be curbed through strong legal measures,” he said. He also directed the police to take stringent action against all crimes, especially those involving atrocities against women and children.

On this occasion, Mr. Naidu released the Police Martyrs’ Book, a compilation of details about police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty. He handed over the first copy to Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta.

Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, who also attended the event, said that the State government had established an Eagle Team to eliminate ganja cultivation in Andhra Pradesh. She noted that over 6,000 missing women had been traced by the police, while cybercrime units have been effectively tackling online fraud.

“The government is committed to strengthening the police force with modern technology and training,” Ms. Anitha added.

The solemn ceremony was observed with floral tributes being paid to the martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.