Latest news with #RajashekharBabu


New Indian Express
11-08-2025
- New Indian Express
SIT to probe Rs 300 crore Advaika scam
VIJAYAWADA: NTR District Commissioner of Police (CP) SV Rajashekhar Babu has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the sensational cheating case involving Advaika Trading Company, where the promoters allegedly duped more than 1,200 investors by promising high returns. 'The accused allegedly collected more than Rs 300 crore from the gullible public, luring them with promises of higher returns. The team has already gathered crucial information related to the money transactions and seized some properties of the accused,' the CP added. The massive fraud came to light in June after several investors lodged complaints. Preliminary probe found the prime accused, Tadepalli Venkata Aditya, along with associates, lured investors with offers of 6% monthly returns, Rs 6,000 per Rs 1 lakh invested, without Reserve Bank of India (RBI) authorisation. The schemes had been running since 2022, police said, but collapsed without repaying the investors. The SIT will be monitored by DCP K Thirumalaswara Reddy, with Central Zone ACP Damodhar as investigation officer.


New Indian Express
14-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Tech-powered policing strengthens law and order in Vijayawada
VIJAYAWADA: In just one year, the city of Vijayawada has witnessed a dramatic shift in law enforcement, driven by cutting-edge technology and a vision for safer communities. Since taking charge as NTR District Commissioner of Police (CP) on July 13, 2024, SV Rajashekhar Babu has rolled out a series of transformative initiatives that have redefined crime detection, property recovery, traffic control and anti-drug operations. Prioritising technology at every level of policing, Commissioner Rajashekhar Babu introduced systems to detect, deter, and respond to crimes with greater speed and efficiency. A flagship initiative in this effort is AsTram, an AI-powered tool that monitors real-time traffic flow and civic issues. By helping officers quickly identify and clear congestion points, AsTram has significantly improved vehicular movement across Vijayawada's busy roads. As part of the 'Smart Policing' initiative, drone surveillance was also introduced to monitor public gatherings, crime-prone zones, and hard-to-reach areas. This aerial surveillance has strengthened the police force's ability to respond swiftly and maintain order. 'We are living in a digital era where technology evolves rapidly. Leveraging it effectively is essential. Integration of CCTV cameras and drone surveillance has helped us detect and prevent crimes more efficiently,' said Rajashekhar Babu. He added that these efforts align with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's vision of a crime-free, drug-free AP .


New Indian Express
08-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Drones, CCTV, real-time tracking to secure Shakambari Utsavalu in Vijayawada
A major component of this initiative is the ASTraM (Actionable Intelligence for Sustainable Traffic Management) platform. This system uses live video feeds from drones and other data inputs, which are transmitted to an Integrated Command and Control Room. The control room then issues real-time instructions to field personnel for swift intervention and management. Though Shakambari Utsavalu attracts a smaller crowd compared to Dasara, Commissioner of Police SV Rajashekhar Babu stated that the same level of attention is being applied. 'We are taking no chances. The festival must be safe and well-managed, and technology will be at the heart of our efforts,' he said. To ensure lasting impact, the police are documenting the entire bandobust operation. This will aid in drafting a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to serve as a model for future large-scale festivals, ensuring consistent preparedness and efficient handling. Drones will provide live visuals throughout the celebration, while CCTV footage will be monitored round-the-clock from the command center. Any incidents or irregularities will be dealt with immediately.


New Indian Express
26-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Police seize 200 kg of ganja worth Rs 15 lakh in Vijayawada
VIJAYAWADA: NTR police on Wednesday arrested two persons and seized 200 kg of ganja worth approximately Rs 15 lakh under Krishna Lanka PS limits. NTR District Commissioner of Police, SV Rajashekhar Babu, said the accused—Andi Nagaraju (26) of Bheemunipatnam and Anbalagan Sinrasu—were transporting ganja from the Visakhapatnam Agency area to Tamil Nadu when police intercepted them during a vehicle inspection drive. Acting on a tip-off, Krishna Lanka SI Bhanu Prasad and his team, along with the Vijayawada EAGLE unit, conducted checks near Geethanagar Katta. Police first stopped a Swift Dzire and discovered bags of ganja, taking the driver into custody. Meanwhile, the driver of a Tata goods vehicle approaching the same checkpoint attempted to flee but was also apprehended. The Commissioner said prime accused Nagaraju, originally from Madurai, had settled in Thagarapuvalasa. Learning of the high demand for ganja in Chennai, he began sourcing it from nearby agency areas at low prices and smuggling it to Tamil Nadu. Despite two prior arrests and jail time, Nagaraju resumed smuggling after his release. In this attempt, they loaded 100 kg of ganja in Nagaraju's car and another 100 kg in a mini goods vehicle, both heading towards Chennai. Police arrested both accused under relevant sections of the NDPS Act and seized the two vehicles used in the operation. Further investigation is ongoing.


New Indian Express
24-06-2025
- New Indian Express
NTR district set to achieve 100% CCTV coverage, first in AP to meet milestone
VIJAYAWADA: In a pioneering move towards technology-driven policing, the NTR district is all set to become the first district in Andhra Pradesh to achieve 100 percent CCTV camera coverage, with at least four cameras installed in every village. This significant milestone comes under the leadership of NTR district commissioner of Police (CP) SV Rajashekhar Babu, an Inspector General (IG) rank officer who assumed charge on July 14 last year. Known for his commitment to tech-based policing, CP Rajashekhar Babu introduced a series of initiatives in the last one year including AsTram (AI-based traffic management), e-Deployment (AI-based personnel deployment), Suraksha, drone surveillance and more. 'Technology and digital evidence play a crucial role in both crime prevention and detection. With the help of CCTV cameras, we have been able to solve over 80 percent of crimes and secure convictions. I am happy to announce that NTR district is now the first district in the state to achieve 100 percent CCTV coverage,' CP Rajashekhar Babu told TNIE. NTR district comprises 305 inhabited and 16 uninhabited villages, spread across 20 mandals, four municipalities (Tiruvuru, Nandigama, Jaggayyapeta, Ibrahimpatnam) and Vijayawada municipal corporation. Our target is 10,000 CCTV cameras in NTR: CP Over 4,000 CCTV cameras have been installed since August last year, with an additional 2,000 matrix cameras funded by the police department and 300 facial recognition cameras placed at key junctions. 'All villages are now equipped with a minimum of four CCTV cameras. These installations not only help track movements and detect crime, but also act as a deterrent to criminal activities while instilling public confidence,' CP Rajasekhar Babu said. He said efforts are underway to integrate the entire camera network with zonal offices and the central Command Control Centre in Vijayawada for real-time monitoring. 'Our target is to install at least 10,000 CCTV cameras across the commissionerate within a year. Another 1,000 cameras will soon be set up in residential colonies and apartment complexes,' he added. Efforts are also being made to enhance security at religious places. Of the 1,371 identified places of worship in the district, only 500 currently have CCTVs.