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Andhra Pradesh crime news today: Police and enforcement agencies across Andhra Pradesh are continuing action against organised crime, illegal red sanders smuggling, cybercrime and other offences. The latest updates from September 27, 2026, include heightened security preparations in the Visakhapatnam region, a major red sanders crackdown in Kadapa and the state’s continued expansion of technology-based policing.
Authorities are also reviewing pending criminal cases and preventive measures ahead of upcoming local body elections.
Visakhapatnam Police Review Crime Control Measures
One of the latest Andhra Pradesh crime news developments comes from the Visakhapatnam Range, where Inspector General Gopinath Jatti reviewed crime-control and security preparations with police superintendents from six districts.
The review included crime control, women’s and children’s safety, road safety, ganja and drug control, cybercrime and pending cases. Police officials also discussed security arrangements for local body elections.
The IG directed district police chiefs to identify sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations, areas with previous election-related incidents and locations where disputes could create security concerns.
Police were also instructed to identify history-sheeters, habitual offenders and other people considered potential sources of trouble and keep them under surveillance, according to the report.
Key points:
- Crime-control measures reviewed across six districts.
- Cybercrime and drug-related offences included in the review.
- Sensitive polling stations to receive additional attention.
- Police to examine previous election-related incidents.
- Pending non-bailable warrants to be reviewed and expedited.
- Preventive measures planned to reduce clashes and unlawful gatherings.
Major Red Sanders Smuggling Crackdown in Kadapa
A significant recent crime operation was carried out in YSR Kadapa district, where police arrested nine alleged red sanders smugglers and seized 87 logs weighing approximately 1.81 tonnes.
The operations were conducted on September 22 and 23 in the Mannur, Veeraballi and Khajipet police station areas. Police said the action followed intelligence inputs concerning suspected illegal transportation and loading of red sanders timber. Five vehicles were also seized.
According to police, the suspected network allegedly involved cutting red sanders trees, converting the timber into logs and transporting them by road.
Authorities said further investigation is underway to identify other people who may be connected with the alleged smuggling network.
Red Sanders Suspect Injured During Police Operation
Another Kadapa incident earlier this week involved a suspected red sanders smuggler who was injured after police said he attacked an officer with a knife.
According to The New Indian Express, the incident occurred during a night vehicle-checking operation in Duvvuru. Police said the suspect, identified as Sheikh Chimparti Zakir, allegedly attacked a constable after officers attempted to stop vehicles linked to suspected red sanders transportation.
Police reported that the suspect was shot in the leg after officers said he continued attempting to attack and flee. A police constable sustained an injury to his hand.
Officers reportedly seized seven red sanders logs weighing about 161 kg, along with vehicles and other items.
The injured suspect was taken to Kadapa Government General Hospital for treatment, while the injured constable was admitted to Mydukuru Government Hospital.
Andhra Pradesh Expands Technology-Based Policing
Technology is also becoming an important part of crime prevention in Andhra Pradesh.
The state police recently launched a Centralised Drone Monitoring Portal and the SafeStay AP application in Guntur. The drone portal allows authorised police personnel to access live feeds from operational police drones through a centralised system.
The platform also includes AI-enabled monitoring and analytics designed to improve situational awareness. SafeStay AP provides police authorities with information about occupancy at hotels and paying guest accommodation.
The initiatives are intended to support crime prevention, investigation, women’s safety, traffic management and emergency response.
Mobile Forensic Units Strengthen Investigations
The technology push also includes mobile forensic capabilities. Andhra Pradesh Police have introduced 26 mobile forensic vehicles for district-level deployment.
These vehicles are intended to help investigators collect and preserve evidence at crime scenes without depending entirely on central facilities. The initiative complements the state’s growing use of digital surveillance, AI tools and police databases.
Police Investigate Earlier Clashes in Vijayawada
Police have also continued investigating clashes at the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh office in Vijayawada.
Authorities examined CCTV and other digital footage to identify people allegedly involved in clashes between YSRC supporters and newly recruited DSC-2025 teachers. A previous report said around 260 people had been identified and 12 arrests had been made at that stage of the investigation.
The investigation remains part of the wider law-and-order picture in the state.
Latest Andhra Pradesh Crime News Today
The latest Andhra Pradesh crime news includes action against suspected red sanders smuggling networks, strengthened crime-control preparations in the Visakhapatnam region and continuing police investigations into serious offences.
The state’s police department is also increasing its use of drones, AI-based monitoring, digital accommodation data and mobile forensic units. These measures are intended to strengthen preventive policing and investigation capabilities across Andhra Pradesh.
As investigations continue, further arrests, seizures and court proceedings may follow. Allegations against suspects remain subject to the legal process and should not be treated as convictions unless established by a court.
