Thu Mar 13 17:58:55 UTC 2025: **Andhra Pradesh Launches 164 Shakthi Teams to Combat Crime Against Women and Children**
Vijayawada, March 14, 2025 – Andhra Pradesh Police have established 164 Shakthi teams dedicated to combating crimes against women and children, Director-General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta announced Thursday. These teams will respond to distress calls, rescue missing persons, and investigate harassment cases. Each district will have two teams, with four operating under each police commissionerate. The DGP also highlighted the launch of the Shakthi App, and announced police will conduct awareness programs on its use. All Shakthi teams will operate under the Women and Child Safety wing.
In a separate initiative to combat drug trafficking, the police will hold an inter-state coordination meeting in Visakhapatnam by the end of March. This meeting aims to address ganja (cannabis) smuggling, focusing on cultivation, smuggling routes, and the supply chain. The DGP reported the destruction of ganja cultivation across 11,000 acres and the seizure of 70,000 kg of ganja in the past two months.
Addressing the rise in cybercrime, the DGP noted 331 cyber fraud cases were registered recently. The police will utilize the Preventive Detention Act against offenders. The public is urged to be cautious of unknown calls and links, and the police are conducting awareness programs to educate citizens on avoiding such scams. Furthermore, efforts are underway to enhance cyber forensics capabilities and the technical skills of officers.
First Piper 