Ministerial Approval for Special Court and Social Welfare Initiatives The Andhra Pradesh government has approved the establishment of a special court in Visakhapatnam to handle cases under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act. This decision was announced during a ministerial meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. The approval was welcomed by the state’s Law and Minority Welfare Minister, N. M. D. Farook, who expressed satisfaction with the move. The special court is intended to expedite the trial of cases registered under the NIA Act, which deals with serious crimes such as terrorism and organized crime. The meeting also approved the creation of a new post titled "Registrar" within the High Court system. This role is designed to streamline case management and reduce the backlog of pending cases in district courts. The minister highlighted that the new position would enhance administrative efficiency, allowing courts to process cases more swiftly. This initiative is expected to alleviate the burden on lower courts and improve the overall judicial process. In addition to legal reforms, the ministerial meeting endorsed the establishment of three "Excellence Centers" under the state’s Social Welfare Department. These centers will be set up in specific districts: Madhuravada in Visakhapatnam district, Tadikondla in Guntur district, and Kotla in Tirupati district. The initiative aims to provide advanced educational facilities and support for marginalized communities. The centers will operate from the upcoming academic year, focusing on skill development, vocational training, and access to higher education for underprivileged groups. The Social Welfare Minister, Dr. Dola Shri Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, thanked the Chief Minister and other ministers for their support.#high_court #andhra_pradesh #visakhapatnam #national_investigation_agency #nara_chandrababu_naidu
A bus-truck collision in Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh killed 13 people and injured 25 others, according to officials. The accident occurred near Rayavaram in the early hours of March 26, 2026, when a private travel bus collided with a tipper vehicle carrying gravel. The bus, operated by Harikrishna Travels, was traveling from Nirmal in Telangana to Vinjamuru in Nellore district. Markapuram District Collector P. Raja Babu confirmed that 13 passengers died at the scene, while 25 were injured. Of the injured, 10 sustained severe injuries and five were in critical condition, with the critically wounded being transferred to Guntur General Government Hospital. The bus carried 41 passengers, though the exact number of people on board at the time of the collision remains unclear. The accident happened at a turning point where the bus collided with the tipper, which was coming from Kanigiri. A massive fire erupted after the collision, trapping passengers and making escape difficult. Firefighters and police arrived quickly to rescue the injured and recover the deceased. The injured were taken to Markapuram Government Hospital, with critical cases moved to Obula Reddy Hospital for specialized care. Authorities are working to identify the deceased and investigate the cause of the accident. The death toll may rise as officials search through the charred remains of the vehicles. Superintendent of Police A.R. Damodar noted that accident-prone areas in Vizianagaram and its outskirts are under review. Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock and sorrow over the incident, calling for immediate medical aid for the injured. He directed officials to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a detailed report.#markapuram_district #rayavaram #harikrishna_travels #kanigiri #nara_chandrababu_naidu
