Police enhance security ahead of Sankranti celebrations, target cockfights and gambling

The police have stepped up security measures ahead of Sankranti, combining advanced technology with ground-level awareness campaigns, to curb anti-social activities such as cockfights and gambling across Sri Sathya Sai district.

The police on Sunday (January 11, 2026) conducted special drone surveillance in the forest and peripheral areas to monitor suspicious movements and prevent unlawful activities. Drones were deployed in Tilak Nagar area of Lepakshi mandal. The aerial surveillance covered terrain features, access routes, water bodies, and vulnerable locations.

Speaking to the media in Dharmavaram, Deputy SP Hemanth Kumar said that strict legal action would be taken against those organising, participating, and encouraging prohibited activities.

The Deputy SP cautioned that cases would be registered under the Gaming Act against violators and urged the public to report any instances of cockfighting or gambling to the police. He appealed to residents to celebrate Sankranti in a traditional, peaceful, and law-abiding manner.