Joint Operation Rescues 25 Children From Trafficking

The operation was launched following specific intelligence shared by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR).

Acting on the directions of Andhra Pradesh Railway DIG B. Satya Yesu Babu, teams led by Nellore Railway DSP G. Muralidhar and CI A. Sudhakar coordinated with the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs), District Child Protection Units (DCPUs) and NCPCR officials to intercept the train between Gudur and Naidupeta railway stations.

During the operation, authorities rescued 25 children and detained 15 agents and escorts suspected of facilitating their transportation for labour work in Erode, Tamil Nadu.

Officials said the operation was conducted under the continuous monitoring of the NCPCR's Anti-Child Trafficking Cell after credible inputs were received regarding the movement of minor children from Bihar.

The rescued children were provided food, medical assistance, counselling and care before being produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Rehabilitation measures and family reunification procedures have been initiated in accordance with the Juvenile Justice Act.

Police described the rescue as a strong example of effective intelligence-sharing and inter-state coordination in tackling child trafficking networks operating through railway routes.

Railway DIG B. Satya Yesu Babu congratulated DSP G. Muralidhar, CI A. Sudhakar and GRP and RPF personnel for their vigilance and swift action. Officials from the Nellore and Kavali GRP units, along with Gudur RPF staff, played a key role in the operation.

The railway police appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement of children to help prevent trafficking and child labour.

VMRDA launches VR centre, hotel projects works in Vizag

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) on Tuesday launched two major projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model — the Vizag Virtual Reality Centre and a three-star hotel on Yendada Law College Road.

The projects, along with an MIG housing scheme at Mithilapuri, were inaugurated with a bhoomi puja ceremony as part of efforts to develop the Visakhapatnam Economic Region in line with the goals of Viksit Bharat and Swarna Andhra.

Bheemili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao and VMRDA Chairman M.V. Pranav Gopal laid the foundation stones for the projects.

Addressing the gathering, Ganta Srinivasa Rao said Visakhapatnam was witnessing rapid development under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. He noted that the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport would accelerate growth in the Madhurawada region, which is being developed on the lines of Hyderabad's Gachibowli, Madhapur and Kondapur.

He said Andhra Pradesh had emerged as an attractive investment destination and urged agencies to complete the projects within the stipulated timeframe.

VMRDA Chairman Pranav Gopal said the Virtual Reality Centre would strengthen Visakhapatnam's position as an emerging IT and AI hub while also promoting tourism. Referring to the MIG housing project, he said it was designed based on public demand and would provide quality housing for middle-income families.

He added that both projects are expected to be completed within three years and generate revenue for VMRDA.

VMRDA Additional Commissioner Datla Keerthi, Secretary Murali Krishna, OSD Krishna Naik, Chief Engineer Vinay Kumar, Chief Planning Officer Divya Latha and officials from various departments attended the programme.

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PAAP seeks urgent filling of 1,171 teacher posts

The Parents Association of Andhra Pradesh (PAAP) has urged education minister Nara Lokesh to immediately address the severe shortage of teachers in government and model schools across Nellore district, warning that the education of thousands of students is being affected.

In an open letter, the association said that despite the commencement of the 2026–27 academic year, as many as 1,171 teaching posts remain vacant in the district.

According to PAAP, 204 vacancies exist in 55 schools in Nellore city and 143 schools in Nellore Rural mandal, while hundreds of other posts remain unfilled across the district's remaining mandals.

The vacancies include 786 secondary grade teachers (SGTs), 54 school assistants (Telugu), 35 Hindi teachers, 64 social studies teachers, 22 urdu teachers, 27 physical education teachers, 60 special education teachers and 120 posts in municipal schools.

PAAP functionary S. Narahari alleged that the education department had failed to fill vacancies before the reopening of schools, resulting in disruption of classes.

He expressed concern that students from poor and middle-class families, who largely depend on government schools, were being deprived of quality education due to the shortage of teachers.

The association demanded immediate measures to fill the vacancies through regular recruitment and temporary arrangements, including deputation wherever necessary. It urged the government to treat the issue on a priority basis and prevent further loss of academic time for students.

JNTU-GV to hold first convocation on July 11

Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University-Gurajada, Vizianagaram (JNTU-GV), will hold its inaugural convocation on July 11, Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Chancellor of the university S. Abdul Nazeer has announced.

Vice-chancellor Prof. V.V. Subba Rao said the maiden convocation marks an important milestone in the university's academic journey and reflects its growth since its establishment.

Registrar Prof. D. Rajyalaxmi said extensive arrangements were being made to ensure the smooth conduct of the ceremony.

Students from the 2022–23, 2023–24 and 2024–25 graduating batches will be honoured during the convocation. University toppers will receive gold medals, merit certificates and other distinctions, while eligible research scholars will be awarded PhD degrees.

The event is expected to be attended by distinguished guests, faculty members, students, parents and alumni.

Waqf Board reclaims 700 acres, plans revenue reforms



Andhra Pradesh Waqf Board chairman Sheikh Abdul Aziz on Wednesday announced a series of measures aimed at improving transparency, enhancing revenue and safeguarding Waqf properties across the state.
Addressing the media after the 15th Waqf Board meeting in Nellore, Aziz said the Board had approved the allotment of 193 acres in Anantapur district for a solar power project. The project is expected to increase annual revenue from `1.7 lakh to about `62 lakh through a transparent auction process.
The chairman warned that criminal cases would be registered against mutawallis found to be involved in the illegal sale of Waqf properties. He said several suspicious sale agreements had come to the Board’s notice and would be examined.
The Board has also decided to revise its lease rules to improve transparency. Sub-lessees and occupants of Waqf lands have been urged to enter into formal agreements with the Board. Under the revised policy, commercial leases will be granted for 30 years and agricultural leases for three years through auctions.
Aziz said the Board had reclaimed nearly 700 acres of encroached Waqf land across Andhra Pradesh, including 56 acres in Kovur, 24 acres in Kandukur and 34 acres in Ramayapatnam in Nellore district.
“Not even an inch of encroached Waqf land will be left behind. We are fighting legal battles up to the Supreme Court to recover every inch,” he said.
Highlighting welfare initiatives, Aziz said the Board was planning educational and skill development programmes for the Muslim community, including UPSC coaching. He also announced that recruitment for 32 posts in the Waqf Board would commence shortly.
The Board meeting unanimously approved several agenda items, including the appointment of mutawallis and managing committees.

YSRC alleges vendetta in cases against MLC

The YSRC has alleged political vendetta by the coalition government following the registration of two cases against MLC Parvatha Reddy Chandrasekhar Reddy, who has been raising issues relating to alleged irregularities in the DSC recruitment process.

According to the party, cases were registered at Balaji Nagar Police Station (FIR No. 87/2026) and Chinna Bazaar Police Station (FIR No. 228/2026) in connection with a solidarity rally organised in support of the MLC. Police reportedly cited the absence of prior permission for the rally.

In the Chinna Bazaar case, Chandrasekhar Reddy was named as A-1 along with former minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy, Anam Vijay Kumar Reddy, Kiliveti Sanjeevaiah and Mekapati Rajagopal Reddy. Several other YSRC leaders were booked in the Balaji Nagar case.

YSRC Venkatagiri constituency coordinator Nedurumalli Ram Kumar Reddy met Chandrasekhar Reddy and expressed solidarity with him.

Condemning the cases, Ram Kumar Reddy alleged that the government was targeting opposition leaders for questioning its policies and actions. He warned that such measures could invite public backlash.

HRF alleges custodial torture led to woman's death

A human rights organisation has alleged that a woman from Kurnool district died as a result of custodial torture during questioning by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), raising concerns over the conduct of the investigation.

In a statement, Human Rights Forum (HRF) president K.V. Jagannatha Rao said Mala Gangamma, a resident of Badinehal village in Kowthalam mandal, died on May 31 after allegedly being subjected to torture during police interrogation.

The forum said its members, who visited the village as part of a fact-finding exercise, gathered information suggesting that Gangamma had earlier approached a court in connection with her son's disappearance. She was subsequently taken in for questioning by SIT officials and died soon afterwards, it alleged.

According to the HRF, police suspected that Gangamma and one Baira Dargappa were involved in an illicit relationship and had a role in the death of her son, Veerendra. The organisation alleged that the two were subjected to severe interrogation to extract information about the location of the body.

The forum claimed that the alleged custodial torture resulted in Gangamma's death. It also questioned the circumstances surrounding her funeral, alleging that police officials decided the timing of the last rites.

The organisation further alleged that an SIT officer, identified as Guntur Additional SP Supraja, along with 13 other police personnel, was under suspicion in connection with the incident.

The HRF demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations and action against those found responsible.

YSRC alleges minister's interference in SIR drive

YSRC MLC Parvathareddy Chandrasekhar Reddy has lodged a complaint with the election commission of India (ECI) against Andhra Pradesh minister P. Narayana, alleging interference in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Chandrasekhar Reddy alleged that Narayana recently held a meeting with the municipal commissioner, mayor, deputy mayors and booth-level officers (BLOs), despite Election Commission guidelines barring political leaders from participating in the voter revision process.

He alleged that instructions relating to the addition and deletion of voters were discussed at the meeting and termed it a violation of election norms.

The YSRC leader said complaints had been submitted to the election commission of India, the state's chief electoral officer and the Nellore district collector seeking appropriate action.

He warned that the party would pursue further legal remedies if action was not taken on the complaint.

Srikalahasti hundi collections touch record ₹2.69 crore in 40 days

Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamyvari Devasthanams has recorded its highest-ever hundi income, with offerings totalling ₹2.69 crore during the latest counting of donations.

Temple officials said the collections were accumulated over a 40-day period ending on Monday and counted on Tuesday, making it the highest hundi income recorded in the temple's history.

Executive officer B.K. Venkatesulu attributed the record collections to the surge in pilgrim footfall during the summer holiday season. He said large numbers of devotees visited the temple and made offerings, contributing to the historic collection.

Temple Trust Board chairman K. Sai Prasad thanked devotees for their continued faith and support. He said the funds would be utilised for temple development and for improving facilities for pilgrims.

The hundi counting was conducted in the presence of trust board member Gurrappa Shetty, Tirupati district endowments inspector Phanindra, deputy executive officer N.R. Krishna Reddy, bank officials, temple staff and Srivari Sevaks.

Meanwhile, Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple at Kanipakam recorded hundi collections of ₹1.74 crore during the past 21 days, according to Executive Officer Penchala Kishore.

The temple also received 23 grams of gold, 1.650 kg of silver and ₹1.86 lakh in donations to the Nitya Annadanam Hundi. Foreign currency offerings included 504 US dollars, 10 Singapore dollars and other international currencies.

Govt won't bow to threats, says Anagani

Revenue minister Anagani Satya Prasad on Wednesday alleged that YSRC leaders were attempting to divert the NDA government's focus from development through threats, provocative statements and misinformation campaigns.

Speaking to reporters in Tirupati after attending official programmes, the minister claimed the opposition was trying to create divisions in society and disturb communal and caste harmony.

He alleged that YSRC leaders were unsettled by the large turnout at a recent public meeting held in Tirupati to mark two years of the NDA government's rule. He further accused the party of spreading misinformation on issues relating to lands in Avilala and Daminedu villages to divert attention from the government's development agenda.

Referring to statements by some YSRC leaders about returning to power in 2029 and taking revenge, Satya Prasad described the remarks as irresponsible and politically motivated.

“Such threats do not intimidate us. The government will continue to focus on development and public welfare,” he said.

The minister maintained that Telugu Desam Party leaders and workers were functioning within the discipline laid down by party president and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. At the same time, he cautioned opposition leaders against engaging in provocative activities.

Alleging that YSRC-linked social media platforms were spreading false information, Satya Prasad said the government was monitoring such activities and warned that legal action would be taken against those found disseminating misinformation.

He urged people to remain vigilant against false propaganda and asserted that threats and intimidation tactics would not deter the coalition government from pursuing its development agenda.

KGH unveils ₹43.7 crore upgrade plan

King George Hospital (KGH) has proposed development works worth ₹43.7 crore aimed at upgrading infrastructure and improving patient services.

At a Hospital Development Committee meeting held on Wednesday, KGH superintendent Dr I. Vani presented 14 proposals with an estimated cost of ₹43.70 crore. The projects include an underground drainage network, rooftop sheds, power infrastructure upgrades, an Orthopaedic ICU, a Mother and Child Health (MCH) block, lifts, modern medical equipment, internal roads, a new outpatient block, transport facilities, electrification, fire safety measures, annual maintenance works and additional Mahaprasthanam vehicles.

Chairing the meeting, Visakhapatnam district collector M. Abhishikth Kishore directed GVMC officials to engage a qualified agency to conduct a special study on service quality and infrastructure utilisation. The report is to be submitted within two weeks and will form the basis for a comprehensive master plan for the hospital.

The collector also ordered the reintroduction of the gate-pass system in hospital wards on a pilot basis and constituted a committee to assess the utilisation of oxygen plants. He stressed the need to strengthen fire safety measures, improve facilities in the gynaecology department and address concerns over substandard pathology slides.

Visakhapatnam South MLA Vamsikrishna Srinivas described KGH as a key healthcare institution serving north Andhra and urged doctors and department heads to work responsibly. He also directed that canteen operations comply strictly with regulations and that the tender process be completed on schedule.

NTR Vaidya Seva Trust chairman Seethamraju Sudhakar, Andhra Medical College principal Dr Sandhya Devi, GVMC additional deputy commissioner Nallanayya, APMSIDC executive engineer Vijay Bhaskar, DMHO Jagadeeswara Rao and other officials attended the meeting.