YSRCP Criticizes Police Functioning, But Ministry Reports Show Different Reality

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently released a report evaluating state performance in implementing new criminal laws under the BSNS framework. The report aimed to assess how effectively police departments across India are functioning and their readiness to implement the updated legal system.

YSRCP Women’s Wing President and MLC Varudu Kalyani has claimed that Andhra Pradesh ranks 36th in the report, alleging that the state’s police force has completely failed. Speaking from the YSRCP office, she accused the state government of politicizing the police, turning the Indian Police Service into a “punishment service,” and even altering the BSNS framework under what she described as “Babu’s political legal code.” She also criticized the government for changing the traditional khaki uniform to yellow.

Kalyani further argued that during Chandrababu Naidu’s 40-year-long administration, the state police were already struggling, and that the current coalition government has worsened the situation by politicizing the department, harassing officials, and failing to maintain law and order. She also held Home Minister Anita responsible for the alleged poor functioning of the police.

However, the actual situation is different. The three new criminal laws—the BSNS (replacing CrPC), BNS (replacing IPC), and BSA (replacing the Indian Evidence Act) came into effect on July 1, 2024, aiming to modernize India’s criminal justice system. The MHA conducted multiple review meetings to check state readiness, focusing on several key areas:

• Technical preparedness: States implemented software systems for e-FIRs, digital evidence collection, and upgraded the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) portal. Video conferencing facilities were established for courts and jails to streamline investigation and evidence recording.

• Training: Police officers and prosecution staff received extensive training on new provisions, forensic methods, and timelines for investigation and trial procedures.

• Infrastructure improvements: States appointed more forensic experts, introduced mobile forensic units, and upgraded lab equipment to handle evidence collection and analysis efficiently.

The MHA review praised Delhi and Uttar Pradesh for their proactive adoption of technology, training, and infrastructure enhancements. However, challenges such as staff shortages, lack of forensic resources, and technical gaps in remote areas remain in several states.

Importantly, the Indian government has not released any official ranking that places Andhra Pradesh at 36th. The claim by YSRCP leadership appears to be politically motivated. While criticism of governance is valid, misrepresenting the police force’s performance risks undermining public trust in law enforcement.