Amaravati, October 2026 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday said maintaining law and order was essential for attracting investments, generating employment and ensuring overall development. He emphasised that security, economic growth, job creation and public welfare were closely interconnected.
Addressing the Police Commemoration Day parade at the Andhra Pradesh Special Police (APSP) 6th Battalion Grounds in Mangalagiri, Guntur district, Naidu said investors were more likely to choose regions where they felt secure and confident about the stability of the law and order situation.
“Investments flow only where there is confidence in security. This, in turn, creates employment and job opportunities,” he said, adding that entrepreneurs would hesitate to invest in areas affected by persistent unrest, turmoil and insecurity.
The Chief Minister said that whenever he was in power, maintaining law and order had remained a priority because it formed the foundation for development and economic progress.
Police Have a Crucial Role in National Security
Naidu praised the Andhra Pradesh Police for their contribution to national security, referring to the recent uncovering of alleged conspiracies posing a threat to the country by the state's Counter-Intelligence wing. He said the operation had further strengthened the reputation of the state police.
He urged police personnel to take firm action against crimes committed under the guise of politics, stressing that political connections should not protect offenders from the law.
“Politics must never serve as a shield for criminals,” he said, directing the police to deal firmly with rowdies who harass members of the public and show no leniency towards those who threaten social peace.
At the same time, the Chief Minister stressed that compassion and humanity were as important as courage in police service.
Every person approaching a police station did so with the expectation that their grievance would be addressed, he said. Some approached the police in fear, while others came in distress or tears. Their problems, he added, must be handled with sensitivity and a humane approach.
Naidu said the police uniform should inspire confidence among victims and fear among criminals. People seeking assistance should feel protected and reassured when they see a police officer, he said.
Technology Needed to Fight Cybercrime
Highlighting the changing nature of crime, Naidu called for continuous improvements in investigation methods and greater use of modern technology in policing.
He expressed concern over the increasing threat of cybercrime, noting that fraudsters were stealing people's hard-earned savings through a single phone call, internet link or message. Even educated people were falling victim to such scams, he observed.
The Chief Minister said effective policing required not only the ability to solve crimes but also the capacity to prevent them before they occurred.
“Solving a crime demonstrates competence, but preventing crime is the hallmark of the best policing,” he said.
Explaining the role of technology, Naidu said CCTV cameras helped establish how crimes occurred, while data analysis enabled investigators to identify patterns and uncover crucial facts. Drones could expand surveillance capabilities, and artificial intelligence-based analysis could improve investigations.
He called for Andhra Pradesh Police to build on their technological capabilities and establish a reputation for innovation and modern policing across the country.
Eagle Team's Efforts Against Drugs Praised
Naidu said the state government was working towards building a prosperous, healthy and happy Andhra Pradesh, with the police playing a significant role in achieving this objective.
He particularly praised the 'Eagle' team for its efforts to curb the spread of ganja, or cannabis, and other narcotic substances. He stressed the importance of tackling the drug menace to protect society and safeguard the future of young people.
The Chief Minister's remarks underscored the government's focus on combining effective law enforcement, technology-driven policing and public-oriented services to improve safety and support economic development.
Tributes Paid to Police Martyrs
Earlier, Naidu, Home Minister V. Anitha, Director General of Police C.V. Anand and other senior officials paid floral tributes at the memorial dedicated to police personnel who had sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. They observed a moment of silence in honour of the martyrs.
The Chief Minister also made a contribution to the Police Commemoration Fund and visited exhibitions organised by various wings of the Police Department.
During the visit, he enquired about forensic tools used in criminal investigations and equipment deployed in disaster relief operations. Police officers also briefed him on modern weapons and operational capabilities of various units, including OCTOPUS (Organisation for Counter Terrorist Operations), the state's specialised counter-terrorism wing.
The programme highlighted the sacrifices of police personnel and the evolving responsibilities of the force in addressing conventional crimes, cyber fraud, narcotics trafficking and threats to national security.
