GPS-enabled clues teams’ vehicles for Sathya Sai police

The Sri Sathya Sai district police on Wednesday rolled out GPS-enabled clues teams’ vehicles for all police sub-divisions, with a target to enhance the efficacy of scientific policing and crime investigation. Superintendent of Police (SP) S. Satish Kumar flagged off the vehicles at Dharmavaram.

He said that the initiative would eliminate delays in evidence collection and prevent loss of crucial forensic clues. Equipped with modern tools for fingerprinting, physical and technical evidence gathering, the vehicles will operate round the clock with trained teams, ensuring rapid response even in remote villages. The move, backed by the State government and DGP’s office, is expected to strengthen crime investigation and conviction rates.

In another initiative, the district police intensified enforcement of tobacco control laws, warning of strict action against the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products near schools and colleges. Addressing a meeting at Puttaparthi, the SP said that the COTPA Act provisions would be enforced rigorously, especially the ban on tobacco sales within 100 yards of educational institutions.

Citing alarming health data, the SP said that tobacco use accounts for nearly 48,000 deaths annually in Andhra Pradesh, with a worrying rise in adolescent consumption. He said that all the police officers in the district underwent special training under the National Tobacco Control programme, with directions issued to impose penalties and install ‘No Smoking’ boards at all police stations.

Meanwhile, Additional SP Ankitha Surani conducted a surprise inspection at Kanaganapalli police station, reviewing records, lock-ups, and women’s help desk. She directed the staff to enhance visible policing, strengthen night patrols, monitor habitual offenders, and crack down on gambling, ganja, and illicit liquor. Highlighting the importance of public-friendly policing, she called for focused efforts on cybercrime awareness, women and child safety, and road accident prevention.