Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: Visakhapatnam Range IG Gopinath Jatti, IPS, conducted a comprehensive review meeting with the Superintendents of Police of five districts under the Visakhapatnam Range, focusing on crime control, faster investigations, public safety, preventive policing and technology-driven law enforcement.
SPs from Srikakulam, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Anakapalli, Vizianagaram and Parvathipuram Manyam attended the meeting in person, while DSPs, CIs, SHOs and other police officials participated through video conference.
The IG issued detailed instructions on strengthening action against crimes against women and children, expediting investigations into rape, dowry death and POCSO cases, improving recovery of stolen property, and ensuring effective implementation of the SC/ST (PoA) Act.
Special emphasis was placed on missing-person cases, with police reporting that 142 of 145 missing girl cases and 30 of 32 missing boy cases registered in 2026 had been resolved, demonstrating focused efforts to reunite missing children with their families.
To strengthen road safety, officials were directed to identify accident-prone areas and black spots, rectify engineering deficiencies and intensify enforcement of traffic regulations. The Range had recorded 690 fatal road accidents up to August 31, 2026, highlighting the need for sustained preventive measures.
The IG also reviewed operations at integrated check posts, where 45 cases were registered between January and August 2026, leading to the seizure of 1,741.043 kg of ganja and 14 litres of hashish oil.
Strong Action Against Drug Networks
During the special NDPS review, IG Gopinath Jatti directed officers to intensify action against the trafficking, storageand distribution of ganja. Between 2024 and August 31, 2026, 1,215 NDPS cases were registered in the Visakhapatnam Range, resulting in the seizure of 72,065.73 kg of ganja, 100.89 kg of hashish oil and 78 grams of opium.
Financial investigation was also emphasized, with proceedings initiated for the seizure of assets worth ₹11.02 crore belonging to 18 offenders involved in 19 ganja trafficking cases. Proposals under the PIT NDPS Act were made against 149 repeat offenders, resulting in the detention of 46 individuals.
Police were directed to trace absconding accused, identify suppliers, transporters, peddlers and other links in drug networks, and coordinate with neighbouring districts and states to dismantle inter-state trafficking networks.
Cybercrime Prevention Strengthened
The meeting also focused on strengthening the response to cyber financial frauds. Officers were instructed to act immediately to freeze fraudulent transactions and take necessary steps to facilitate the return of funds to victims.
Between June 2024 and August 31, 2026, 411 cyber financial fraud cases involving losses of approximately ₹45.97 crore were registered. During the same period, 14,164 complaints were received through the 1930 helpline and NCRP portal.
The IG directed police personnel to respond swiftly to complaints, coordinate with banks and financial institutions, and create widespread awareness about digital-arrest scams. Citizens were advised to immediately report suspicious calls or video calls claiming to be from police or other government agencies through 1930.
Community Policing and Festival Security
With local body elections approaching, officers were instructed to intensify community engagement through Palle Nidra and Intintiki Mee Police, enabling police to identify local issues, assess sensitive areas and strengthen public confidence.
Mega vehicle checks will also be conducted at district borders, major highways and sensitive routes to prevent the illegal transportation of liquor, cash, ganja, drugs, weapons and other contraband.
In view of the upcoming Vinayaka Chaviti festival, police were directed to inspect pandals and idol installation sites in advance and ensure adequate security, CCTV surveillance, fire-safety arrangements, barricading, lighting and crowd-management measures. Advance planning of immersion routes, traffic diversions and security deployment was also emphasized.
Overall, the IG directed all district police units to give utmost priority to preventive policing, technology-based policing, faster investigation, effective prosecution, disposal of pending cases and inter-state coordination, while ensuring enhanced law and order, traffic management and public safety during the upcoming elections, festivals and public events.
