CS asks Collector to ensure foolproof security

Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy has directed District Collector Praveen Kumar to make foolproof arrangements for the counting of votes on June 4.
The Chief Secretary, CEO and DGP held a video conference with the Collectors and SPs of all districts on Friday. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary said that because of violent incidents that took place after the polling in various districts, foolproof arrangements must be made for the counting of votes.  
He told the Collector that the arrangements for counting of votes should be made following the guidelines of ECI. Strong security should be provided to the EVM strong rooms and the strong rooms should be under constant vigil of officials. The officials should continuously monitor the strong rooms through the CCTVs in the control room, the CS told the officials.
“The violence incidents which took place on May 14 and 15 should not take place anywhere during the counting of votes,” the CS told the Collector.
DGP Harish Kumar Gupta said that action must be taken under the relevant sections against channels, cable TV, social media and print media that propagate fake news, and if there is any doubt, they should talk to the relevant authorities and get an explanation, adding that Section 144 Cr.PC should be implemented.
CEO Mukesh Kumar Meena said that the EVM strong rooms should have double lock, and three-tier security, adding that the checking and supervision should be conducted by the local police force at the main entrance at the EVM strong rooms.
The second layer of security at the strong room should have state armed forces personnel. Those who are assigned counting duties should be allowed in the counting halls, the CEO said, adding that If the officials want to inspect the strong room, they should sign in the register and enter their details.  Barricading must be erected for the counting of votes.
District Collector Praveen Kumar said that three-tier security had been provided to the strong rooms located on the campus of Sri Padmavathi Women’s University. All required steps are being taken for the counting of votes to ensure that no untoward incident takes place on the day.