Nandyal Police Seize Liquor, Bikes in Cordon-And-Search Drive

Kurnool: Police seized 22 quarter bottles of liquor and 15 motorcycles without proper documents during cordon-and-search operations conducted in parts of Nandyal district in the early hours of Sunday to maintain law and order. Vehicles without number plates and valid papers were also taken into custody.

As part of the drive, police teams carried out searches in sensitive and vulnerable villages, including Pesaravai under Gadivemula police station limits, Thimmapuram under Mahanandi police station limits, and Gunthakandala village under Velugodu police station limits in the Atmakur sub-division. The operation involved extensive house-to-house checks, focusing on suspects, rowdy sheeters and persons with criminal backgrounds.

Police officials said the exercise was aimed at preventing crime, strengthening surveillance in vulnerable areas and assuring the public of their safety. During the operation, rowdy sheeters and habitual offenders were counselled on the spot and warned to stay away from unlawful activities.

The police also appealed to the public to cooperate and report any suspicious activities. People were advised to seek immediate police assistance by calling toll-free emergency numbers 100 or 112 whenever required.

Civic Body Launches Drive to Clear Weed-Filled Vacant Plots

Kurnool: As part of the Clean and Green City programme, the corporation launched a special drive on Sunday to remove weeds and wild vegetation from vacant plots across the city using 27 JCB machines. The commissioner flagged off the drive near the old SP bungalow at Five Roads Junction.

He later inspected the weed removal works near the Budhavarapet burial ground and in Kothapeta areas, where vacant plots were found to be heavily overgrown.

Speaking on the occasion, the commissioner said wild vegetation in vacant plots has become a serious public health concern as it encourages the breeding of snakes, scorpions and mosquitoes. He also noted that pigs are using these plots as shelters, making nearby areas unhygienic.

Keeping public complaints in view, the corporation decided to take up the special drive to ensure cleanliness and protect public health. He said more JCBs were deployed in the expanded city areas, where the problem of vacant plots is severe, so that cleaning could be carried out simultaneously.

Viswanath thanked minister for industries and commerce T.G. Bharath and MLAs Gowru Charitha Reddy and Boggula Dastagiri for encouraging voluntary organisations to provide 27 JCBs for the drive.

He stressed that public participation is essential to achieve the goal of a clean city and urged residents to take responsibility for cleanliness. He warned that owners who fail to clean their vacant plots voluntarily will face penalties, and civic services such as building permissions, vacant land tax and property tax will be processed only after these fines are fully paid.

Mentally Disturbed Man Creates Panic at Pamidi Bus Stand

Anantapur: A mentally disturbed man created panic at the Pamidi bus stand in Anantapur district on Sunday by brandishing a knife. The situation turned tense when he attempted to attack a police vehicle while officers tried to restrain him.

Sources said the man, identified as Ravi of Pamidi mandal headquarters, moved through the streets wielding a sharp knife, causing fear among locals. Residents alerted the police, and his wife also rushed to the spot in an attempt to calm him down.

The man later entered the bus stand and damaged the window panes of a police vehicle. A police team eventually overpowered and detained him.

Police said preliminary inquiries revealed that the man was mentally disturbed. Further action is being taken.

Three-Month-Old Murder Case of Karnataka Man Cracked

Anantapur: The Satyasai district police have cracked a three-month-old murder case involving a Karnataka resident who was killed near the Andhra Pradesh border in Amadagur mandal.

Addressing the media at Puttaparthi on Sunday, Satyasai district superintendent of police S. Sathish Kumar said the victim, C. Muthappa (44), a resident of Devaravanka village in Bagepalli taluk of Chikkaballapur district in Karnataka, was found murdered in a tomato field in Amadagur mandal on September 3.

Following the discovery of the unidentified body, Amadagur police alerted nearby police stations, including those in Karnataka. The victim was later identified by his family members. His wife, C. Prameela, subsequently lodged a complaint with the Amadagur police.

The SP said a special team was constituted to investigate the case, which led to the arrest of three accused on Sunday. They were identified as K. Suresha, R. Somashekara and A. Anand, all residents of Billur village in Chikkaballapur district.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the trio bore grudges against Muthappa for various reasons and murdered him in the tomato field in Amadagur mandal, the SP said. Further investigation is under way.

Couple Killed in Car-Bike Collision on NH-67 Near Atmakur

Nellore: In a tragic road accident, a couple were killed on the spot after a speeding Innova car rammed into their motorcycle and crushed them at Allipuram Cross Road on NH-67, between Andhra Engineering College and the MSME Park in Atmakur mandal, on Sunday.

According to Atmakur sub-inspector S.K. Jilani, the victims were identified as Chevalla Madhava (39) and Manojini (35), residents of Boila Chiruvella village in Atmakur mandal.

The couple were returning home after visiting Gurukul School near Atmakur, where their younger daughter, Tejeswini, is studying in Class IX. Their elder daughter is pursuing intermediate studies in Nellore.

The Innova car reportedly lost control after hitting the motorcycle and overturned. However, the car’s occupants escaped unhurt as the airbags deployed during the crash.

Police registered a case and have taken up further investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.

Advances in Diabetes Care Highlighted at APDF Con-2025

Vijayawada: Leading diabetologists and medical experts on Sunday highlighted major advances in diabetes management, including the imminent availability of diabetic inhalers, and stressed the importance of early diagnosis to prevent severe complications. They warned that neglect in the initial stages of the disease could lead to long-term health problems affecting multiple organs.

The observations were made at the 34th National Conference of the Andhra Pradesh Diabetes Federation (APDF Con-2025), organised jointly with the Indian Medical Association, in Vijayawada.

The conference was held under the leadership of APDF conference president and organising secretary Dr Yalamanchi Sadasiva Rao.

The national-level seminar saw the participation of around 500 doctors, with 20 eminent speakers from across the country delivering lectures on diabetes control, prevention of complications and emerging treatment options.

Chief guest and Andhra Pradesh Medical Council member Dr Suryadevara Kesava Rao Babu called for greater caution in cases of gestational diabetes, obesity, diabetic gangrene and foot ulcers. He said inhaler-based diabetes therapies are emerging as a new mode of treatment and would soon become more widely available. Quoting statistics, he noted that nearly 10 crore people in India are currently affected by diabetes.

Dr Sadasiva Rao said about 90 per cent of women living with diabetes face significant health challenges and urged patients to adopt a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. He said GLP analogue therapies are showing encouraging results in diabetes management. Newer forms of diabetes, he added, adversely affect vital organs such as the heart and kidneys, while newly developed medicines help protect multiple organs.

Man Kills Wife Over Infidelity Suspicion, Surrenders With Body

Vijayawada: A man allegedly murdered his wife on suspicion of infidelity and later surrendered at a police station with her body. The incident occurred in Santamaguluru mandal of Bapatla district.

Police said the accused, Venkateswarlu of Yelchuru village, had married Mahalakshmi (28) of Machavaram village in Palnadu district following a love affair. Married for nearly a decade, the couple had two children.

However, frequent disputes arose after Venkateswarlu allegedly suspected Mahalakshmi of having an illicit relationship with a relative. Due to the strained relationship, she moved to her parental home. He had earlier lodged a complaint, following which police conducted counselling.

On Saturday evening, Venkateswarlu went to Machavaram and reportedly convinced Mahalakshmi to accompany him after promising to return her gold ornaments. On Sunday morning, he took her on a two-wheeler to the outskirts of the village and allegedly strangled her.

He later brought the body to Santamaguluru police station and surrendered. Rompicherla police registered a murder case and are investigating.

MP Congratulates Kurnool Swimmers at National Meet

Kurnool: Kurnool MP Bastipati Nagaraju congratulated young swimmers from the district who are participating in the National School Games being organised by the School Games Federation of India in New Delhi.

The MP met the athletes in the national capital and interacted with them about the events in which they are competing. P. Hemalatha is representing Kurnool district in the under-19 category, while K. Shruti, Siri Chetana Raj and P. Lahari are competing in the under-17 category.

Nagaraju lauded the swimmers for their dedication and hard work and encouraged them to give their best at the national-level competition. Expressing confidence in their abilities, he said the young athletes would showcase their talent and bring pride to Kurnool district.

Two Arrested with 24 Kg of Ganja in Srikakulam District

Visakhapatnam: Srikakulam district police have arrested two individuals attempting to transport 24 kilograms of ganja by the Konark Express.

The accused, identified as Milan Michel Bira (24), a resident of Udayagiri in Ganjam district, Odisha, and his aunt, Deepa Bideshi Lima, were apprehended near Kanchili Railway Station.

Sompeta circle inspector M. Mangaraju revealed that the duo had planned the illegal transportation together. On December 3, they purchased the contraband near Mohana village in Gajapati district, Odisha, and packaged it into 12 parcels wrapped in brown-coloured tape, distributing them between two bags.

According to police, the accused planned to deliver the ganja to a man identified as Shankar from Mumbai, Maharashtra.

When police were conducting routine vehicle checks in the area, they noticed the suspicious behaviour of the two individuals. Upon stopping and searching them, police recovered the 24 kg of ganja packed in the two bags.

CI Mangaraju stated that a case has been registered against the accused, and further investigation is currently underway.

AP Wins National Energy Conservation Award for Fourth Consecutive Year

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh added yet another feather to its cap in the field of energy efficiency, with the State Energy Conservation Mission (APSECM) winning the prestigious National Energy Conservation Award–2025.

The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on Sunday to mark National Energy Conservation Day.

L. Siva Sankar, chairman and managing director of the Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL), received the award on behalf of the Government of Andhra Pradesh, underscoring the state’s sustained commitment to energy conservation and climate-friendly governance.

Andhra Pradesh secured first prize in the State Designated Agency (SDA) category – Group II, reaffirming its position as a national leader in promoting energy efficiency. APSECM was adjudged the best-performing state in its group, a rare achievement reflecting consistent institutional performance and effective implementation of energy-saving initiatives.

Officials attributed the national recognition to the visionary leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the steadfast support of energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, and the strategic guidance of Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand. Under their stewardship, APSECM has rolled out several innovative and high-impact programmes across sectors, including power distribution, industry, buildings and public infrastructure.

They said the award, presented in the presence of senior Union ministers, officials and energy sector experts, highlights Andhra Pradesh’s proactive role in advancing sustainable development, reducing carbon emissions and strengthening India’s overall energy efficiency framework.

Vizag to Host 12-Day SARAS Fair Showcasing Rural Women’s Enterprises

Visakhapatnam: Vizag district collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad announced that the (Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society) SARAS exhibition, aimed at empowering women and promoting self-employment, will be held from December 15 to 26 at the Andhra University Engineering College grounds.

Around 600 women from self-help groups across Andhra Pradesh and several other states will participate, showcasing products in 250 stalls featuring handlooms, handicrafts, sarees, carpets, bamboo and metal crafts, organic foods, spices, jewellery and home décor items.

The collector said Visakhapatnam was chosen for its festive-season footfall, strong transport connectivity and wider marketing potential. He added that the exhibition is designed to expand market access for SHG women and strengthen rural livelihoods.

Visitors will have access to quality products from across the country at affordable prices, along with food stalls, cultural programmes and children’s entertainment.

Free stalls, accommodation, food and transport are being provided to participating SHG women. Arrangements also include police security, CCTV surveillance, fire safety measures, medical services, drinking water, sanitation, lighting and generators.

The collector urged people from Visakhapatnam and North Andhra to support the event. DRDA project director Lakshmipathi is overseeing the preparations, with officials from all departments coordinating to ensure the exhibition’s success.

Owk Reservoir Repair Works on Fast Track: Janardhan Reddy

Kurnool: Roads and buildings minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy said the state government is fully committed to spending whatever amount is required to stop leakages at the Owk Reservoir. He said nearly `1 crore has already been sanctioned and repair works have been taken up on a priority basis.

The minister said the ongoing works would be completed within the next 15 to 20 days. To accurately identify the leakages, two trained experts are working inside the reservoir. Once the leakage points are confirmed, they are being permanently sealed with concrete.

Janardhan Reddy admitted that minor leakages had existed for the past 15 years and that a lack of attention earlier had led to the present situation, creating fear among the public. He assured that there was no major threat at present and appealed to people not to panic, stating that the government would fully prevent the leakages.

He also said officials are examining whether any other leakages exist and added that the reservoir bund, which has slightly weakened, will be strengthened by the end of the month. The minister added that the Owk Reservoir area would be developed as a tourist destination under the AP Tourism department.

Anam Slams Botsa Over Remarks on Development

Nellore: Minister for endowments Anam Ramanarayana Reddy strongly lashed out at YSRC senior leader Botsa Satyanarayana, describing his recent remarks as “laughable” and “completely disconnected from reality”.

Speaking to media persons here on Sunday, the minister said it was shameful that Botsa could not see the massive development taking place in Andhra Pradesh even after 18 months of coalition rule.

Anam asserted that since the coalition government came to power, the state has been moving rapidly on the twin tracks of development and welfare. He pointed to new infrastructure projects, improved roads, welfare schemes, growth in the industrial and IT sectors, and the establishment of educational institutions as clear evidence of progress.

He also referred to the recent inauguration of a zonal office in Kurnool as a symbol of balanced regional development.

Targeting Botsa directly, the minister questioned the YSR Congress Party’s claims of development during its tenure, asking whether it had built even a single major project, road or industry, or created sustainable employment.

He accused the previous government of pushing Andhra Pradesh into a deep debt crisis, burdening the state with loans exceeding `10.5 lakh crore and leaving the present government to bear huge interest payments.

Despite this financial strain, Anam said the coalition government is continuing development works while responsibly repaying debts left behind by the YSRC regime. He alleged that loans raised earlier were misused for personal comforts instead of public welfare, calling it a clear failure of governance.

Referring to the collapse of the Annamayya Project, he questioned the competence of the previous administration, stating that it failed to manage even basic flood-control measures. He assured that the present government is fully prepared to complete pending works at the Somasila Project.

On the issue of government employees and pensioners, the minister said the YSRC had left unpaid dues amounting to `32,000 crore. He noted that the coalition government has already cleared `12,000 crore and is receiving cooperation from employees who understand the prevailing financial situation.

He concluded by stating that while the YSRC period was marked by debt and mismanagement, the coalition government under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan and minister Nara Lokesh is steering Andhra Pradesh firmly towards growth, stability and transparent governance.