Hyderabad: The elections to 17 Parliamentary Constituencies in Telangana State were conducted in 34,603 Polling stations and 18,526 polling locations in a peaceful manner on April 11 in first phase of elections. After peaceful conduct of elections, the EVMs and VVPATs were stored in 123 Strong Rooms at 37 locations falling under limits of 16 Police Stations.
According to a pressnote from the Office of Director Geneal of Police, a three-tier Bandobust was arranged for safeguarding strong rooms comprising Inner cordon, Middle cordon and Outer cordon as per the guidelines of Election Commission. They were being guarded by the CAPFs along with CCTV surveillance round the clock with command control centers set up for each location. Armed Reserve and local District Police force are being utilized for perimeter patrolling and watch duty to prevent the unauthorized access of anti-social elements at the strong rooms.
The forces deployed for strong rooms along with law and order and Armed reserve component was deployed for counting day in all Districts and Commissionerates. The objective of counting day bandobust is to ensure peaceful counting and peaceful atmosphere in the State after counting is completed. Available force with State is re-aligned to be part of counting day bandobust. Senior officers are closely monitoring and nearly 10,000 men and officers are being deployed for counting day bandobust duties under direct supervision of Commissioners/Superintendents of Police. This force is in addition to force already allotted for strong rooms.
Access to people will be restricted in counting centers and only people authorized by R.O will be permitted inside with a valid pass. Separate place for media center has been created. No one is permitted to carry mobiles inside counting centers. Orders under Section 144 Cr.P.C will be promulgated within 100 meters of the counting centers on the day of counting and violators will be prosecuted.
No victory processions are permitted without specific permission from competent authority. All political parties and candidates are requested to cooperate in the manner. Telangana Police thank all the stakeholders, particularly people of Telangana for their support in the conduct of free, fair and peaceful polls in the State and expecting the same support for counting. (NSS)
