Who Is Koya Praveen? A Tough Police in Pulivendula

The faction-ridden Pulivendula constituency always witnesses a one-sided election (Congress/YSR Congress). But then, it is a different scene altogether in the just-concluded municipal elections. 

While the entire state seems to be going TDP’s way, Jagan Mohan Reddy descended in Pulivendula to somehow save his bastion and send a message to his troops.

In this turbulent environment, Kurnool Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Koya Praveen emerged as a symbol of uncompromising authority, earning a reputation as a tough and resolute police officer.

Amid stone-pelting incidents and aggressive political posturing, former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy entered Pulivendula to exercise his voting right, putting the local administration under extreme pressure. 

Rather than letting the situation spiral into prolonged unrest, DIG Koya Praveen adopted a strict, non-negotiable stance on law and order. 

While acknowledging and protecting basic democratic rights such as the freedom to vote, he drew a firm line against post-voting congregation, unauthorized gatherings, and actions threatening public peace.

He announced that Jagan should cast his vote and head directly to his home but should not resort to any rallies or political show of strength.

Koya Praveen also did huge march in Pulivendula streets with huge number of police force.

The IPS officer was the Superintendent of Police, Visakhapatnam, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Law & Order, Vijayawada City, and Superintendent of Police, Prakasam District – all key positions during the previous tenure of Chandrababu Naidu.

YSR Congress developed a hatred for the IPS Officer for various reasons, including him being from Chandrababu Naidu’s Kamma Community.

Just before the 2019 elections, YSRCP complained to the Election Commission about Praveen’s alleged bias in favour of the TDP. The allegations also arose amid tensions surrounding the IT Grid controversy. The Election Commission transferred Koya Praveen from election duties.

Chandrababu Naidu, back then, protested over Praveen’s transfer, alleging that the Election Commission was acting unfairly.

Once in power in 2019, Jagan avoided him in key positions and deployed him in posts of Railways, Police Transport Organisation, OCTOPUS, and Greyhounds.

After Chandrababu Naidu came to power, Koya Praveen was appointed as the DIG of Kurnool Range, and he became the thorn in the flesh of YSR Congress. 

He ensured that the YSR Congress could not override the Pulivendula election like they always do