‘EC allotted 20 companies of Central forces’

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has earmarked 20 companies of Central forces for Andhra Pradesh, gearing up for the vote counting scheduled for June 4. Chief Electoral Officer, Mukesh Kumar Meena, along with DGP Harish Kumar Gupta, Collector Srikesh B Latkar, and SP Malika Garg, inspected the vote counting arrangements at the JNTU campus. The focus was on the stringent security measures surrounding the EVM strongroom.
During the inspection, CEO Meena provided feedback to officials and urged them to expedite the counting process preparations.
He emphasized the exclusion of individuals involved in election-related violence from serving as counting agents.
“The deployment of 20 companies of Central forces ensures statewide security during the vote-counting process,” CEO Meena affirmed.
DGP Harish Kumar Gupta announced the prohibition of liquor sales on June 3 and 4 in light of the vote counting. He instructed police personnel to conduct thorough inspections of lodges and hotels to identify any suspicious individuals. Additionally, he highlighted the introduction of body cameras for police officers.
In a comprehensive presentation, Collector Srikesh B Latkar outlined measures to ensure transparent and accountable vote counting. Over 700 supervisors, assistants, and micro-observers will oversee the process. Enhanced security protocols, including 155 CCTV cameras at the counting centre, were detailed. Political party representatives will have thrice-daily access to inspect the strong room.
SP Malika Garg provided updates on law enforcement efforts, reporting 1196 bound-over individuals and 59 arrests related to EVM vandalism. Post-poll violence resulted in 33 arrests, with 883 individuals apprehended during polling day incidents in Palnadu district.
IGP Sarvashresta Tripathi and Joint Collector M Shyam Prasad were also present during the proceedings.