Hyderabad: Around 2, 500 inmates in Chanchalguda and Cherlapally jail will not be allowed to exercise their franchise in the ensuing Assembly elections in the state. This includes 1,468 inmates in Chanchalguda and around 1,000 in Cherlapally.
However, Chanchalguda prison superintendent, Shiva Kumar told Deccan Chronicle that those jailed under the PD Act will be able to cast their votes as arrangements have been made for them inside the prison premises.
Meanwhile, denial of voting rights to jail inmates is raising questions about the democratic participation of individuals within the prison system.
Official reports indicate that 40 individuals accused under the PD Act will vote under strict surveillance.
West zone DCP Joel Davis said, "In view of the upcoming elections, we are taking effective measures. Criminals with a history are continuously monitored as we concentrate on public peace and free and fair elections."
The police has executed 1,051 bindovers across the state. Rowdy sheeters involved in wrongful acts during the previous elections are being closely monitored. One notorious rowdy sheeter, Guvvala Pawan Kumar, alias Billa Pavan, has been arrested under Madhura nagar police station limits on charges of extortion and drug peddling.
A special monitoring cell has been established to keep a constant eye on rowdy sheeters. Their family members are counselled and any suspicious activity leads to immediate arrests, Davis said.
