90,000 security personnel to monitor Telangana polls

Hyderabad: The director-general of police has rushed 14 senior IPS officials to 10 Telangana districts to oversee the arrangements for general elections on Wednesday. The IPS officials of additional DG to DIG ranks will supervise the law and order and security situation in addition to the SPs, DIGs and IGs already stationed in Telangana.

Around 90,000 police personnel have been deployed for the polls. This includes around 54,000 personnel of civil police and district armed reserve, besides around 15,500 home guards.

DGP B. Prasada Rao said that so far, Rs 23 crore in cash has been seized in the state.

“As per EC guidelines, we have kept a close watch on the movement of cash, liquor, gifts, contraband and other articles meant as inducement for voters. Around 158 paramilitary companies and 59 APSP companies are also deployed. Four IAF copters have been stationed in the districts,” said Mr Prasada Rao.

Flying squads to curb irregularities

In addition to the 1.40 lakh CRPF personnel to guard  30,518 polling stations, the Election Commission of India on Tuesday roped in another 4,000 flying squads  to check for the possible irregularity during the night before the polling day.

The holistic arrangements for the first phase of the polls in Andhra Pradesh for over 119 Assembly constituencies and 17 LS constituencies is in place said Chief Electoral Officer Bhanwar Lal.  He called on  voters to exercise their franchise and participate in electing a clean and fair representative.

General holiday has been declared by the government on poll day for all government offices and education institutions. Paid holiday has also been granted to shops and establishments under various acts and provision.

“Penal action will be taken against employers who do not grant leave to their employees,” said Mr Lal.

Polls will be held in Adilabad, Khammam, Karimnagar, Mahabubnagar, Medak, Nalgonda, Nizambad, Warangal, Ranga Reddy and Hyderabad.  
Details of polling station can be obtained by sending an SMS to 9246280027 in the following format :<vote> <space> <voter ID Card no>. To complain about  incidents of  bribing voters,   send an SMS to 8790499899 in the following format <3 digit Assembly constituency no.> <complaint details>. Complaints can also be sent to toll free number 1950.

Naxal threat to elections

The police intensified combing operations in the forests and along river Pranahita following intelligence reports that some Maoists have sneaked into Adilabad district from bordering Maharashtra and may commit offences during polling.

As many as 15 companies of paramilitary forces have been pressed into service for the elections. The number is more than double compared to the 6 companies used in the 2009 general elections in the district.

The state election commission has allotted two helicopters to Adilabad district to be used in emergencies and these helicopters have been stationed at the district headquarters.
Four companies of BSF, three companies of ITBP and nine companies of CRPF are being used in addition to the 800 cops from Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu, and 2,800 police personnel from Kurnool. Nearly 200 Greyhound personnel are participating in combing operations.