Police in the Kurnool Range will take strict action against YouTubers and social media users who post objectionable, provocative or misleading content during municipal election polling in Andhra Pradesh, DIG Dr Koya Praveen Kumar said in Kadapa on Saturday. Polling is scheduled for Sunday.
The warning covers online posts that could create tension, spread false information or circulate speculative news during the election process. The DIG said those attempting to disrupt peaceful polling through online platforms would not be spared, according to a report by Deccan Chronicle.
Police will also restrict access near polling stations. Praveen Kumar said unnecessary commotion by YouTubers near polling premises would not be tolerated and that only journalists carrying both government-issued accreditation cards and polling passes issued by the Election Commission would be allowed near polling stations.
The restrictions are intended to prevent unauthorised persons from entering polling premises while presenting themselves as media representatives. The DIG said police personnel had been instructed to enforce the guidelines strictly and stop unauthorised access to polling locations.
The instructions place two separate controls around polling-day activity: physical restrictions on who can approach or enter polling premises, and police action against digital content that authorities consider capable of disturbing public order or spreading misinformation. The report did not identify any specific social media post, YouTuber or incident that prompted the warning.
Praveen Kumar urged social media users to exercise restraint and refrain from sharing unverified information during the election process. He reiterated that journalists must carry valid accreditation cards and Election Commission-issued polling passes to access polling stations, and said the restrictions would be enforced without exception.
The immediate operational focus for election-day media activity will therefore be verification of credentials at polling locations and monitoring of online posts that police believe could affect peaceful voting. The DIG’s directions apply during the municipal election polling scheduled for Sunday.
