Akbar rant: Top cop says law will take its course

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Police Commissioner Sandeep Shandilya, who resumed duty after a brief illness and hospitalisation, conducted a comprehensive review of election preparations across various parts of the city. Regarding his health, he stated, "There was a brief illness, and by the God’s grace, I am fine." During his tour, he visited Santosh Nagar PS, where a case had been filed against AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi for alleged threats to the police and delivering a hate speech during the election campaign.

In response to queries about the case, Shandilya clarified, "I came here as part of an election review, not regarding the case. I have also enquired about the case. Whatever they have to understand, they would have understood it by now. I have nothing more to say. The law will take its own turn, and things will go by the law. Everybody knows that I go by the book of law and will not take if someone says anything out of the law."

He continued to emphasise the importance of individuals in positions of influence speaking with kindness. "Five minutes here and there is not a big issue. If they ask for five minutes in a proper manner and patiently, it can happen."

Appealing to citizens to vote on November 30, he encouraged them to celebrate it like a festival. "Please cast your vote, go home, spend time with family, watch TV, and enjoy. Don’t step out of your home without any purpose." Shandilya issued a warning to those on the roads without reason, stating that they will be stopped, and vehicle checks will be intensified. "We will let everyone celebrate this festival of democracy. But everybody has to keep calm, and we will ensure that everything goes well and peacefully. It gives immense happiness when someone recognises and says something good to us."

Regarding election logistics, he mentioned there are 570 critical polling stations and 310 polling stations with more booths but not deemed critical. Shandilya assured that all necessary measures have been taken, including force deployment, to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections.