Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan has directed an immediate inquiry into serious allegations against Bhimavaram Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) B. Jayasurya. The action followed a barrage of public grievances highlighting the officer’s purported role in enabling illegal activities and meddling in local conflicts, signaling a broader push for law enforcement reforms in the coastal district.
Mr. Kalyan, who oversees Panchayati Raj and Rural Development portfolios, was reportedly inundated with reports from residents and local leaders over the past week. Sources close to his office revealed that the complaints painted a troubling picture.
DSP Jayasurya stands accused of turning a blind eye to rampant underground gambling operations locally dubbed ‘pekata’ camps that have mushroomed across Bhimavaram’s outskirts. These dens, often disguised as informal betting rings, have allegedly thrived under lax oversight, drawing ire from community groups concerned about youth involvement and financial exploitation.
Compounding the issue, complainants have leveled charges of the DSP’s undue interference in private civil matters, including land and family disputes. In several instances, it’s claimed that DSP Jayasurya has shown favoritism toward influential figures, leveraging his position to sway outcomes. Most alarmingly, some reports suggested the officer invoked the names of NDA alliance leaders, including Pawan Kalyan himself, to intimidate parties or broker unofficial ‘settlements.’
The Deputy Chief Minister wasted no time reviewing the dossiers. On Tuesday evening, he placed a direct call to West Godavari Superintendent of Police (SP) Adnan Nayeem Asmi, conveying his dismay and demanding a no-holds-barred investigation. He instructed the SP to compile a comprehensive report detailing DSP Jayasurya’s day-to-day operations, including patrol records, complaint resolutions, and any links to the alleged gambling networks.
The Deputy CM’s directive extends beyond Bhimavaram. His team has been tasked with notifying Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha and Director General of Police Harish Kumar, flagging the case as a priority for statewide review. This isn’t isolated. Mr. Kalyan’s office has fielded similar tips from other districts, pointing to a pattern of unchecked vice that his administration aims to dismantle.
Bhimavaram, a bustling hub in West Godavari known for its aquaculture farms and textile trade, has long grappled with underground economies. The town’s strategic location along the Godavari Delta makes it a hotspot for illicit dealings, but locals say the current surge in gambling spots, estimated at over a dozen active sites, marks a concerning escalation.