A three-tier security cordon will be in place at 91 buildings that house the 234 counting centres across Tamil Nadu, Director-General of Police Bhola Nath said on Tuesday.
Besides Central Paramilitary Forces (CPMFs), the entire State police, including the Armed Reserve and Tamil Nadu Special Police, would be mobilised as part of the elaborate security arrangements for the counting slated for May 13.
Quick Reaction Teams and Striking Force Units would be stationed at vantage points to handle exigencies. Home Guards would be roped in to regulate traffic, he said.
Mr. Bhola Nath said adequate security would be provided to offices of political parties and candidates. Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad personnel would conduct anti-sabotage checks at all counting centres before the commencement of counting.
While 27 companies of CPMFs were already deployed, 18 companies were expected on Wednesday. Explaining the three-tier cordon, he said the outer cordon would comprise local police who would check the identity of persons seeking to enter the counting centres. Armed police drawn from the Armed Reserve and Tamil Nadu Special Police would be part of the middle cordon.
Members of the CPMF would form the third cordon at the entrance of the counting centres. “We will have CPMF personnel escorting the movement of electronic voting machines from strong rooms to counting halls.
The Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) network has already been installed. A 100-metre periphery of the counting centre will be earmarked as pedestrian zone,” he said.
Mr. Bhola Nath, who interacted with senior police officers in all districts through videoconferencing on Tuesday, said steps should be taken to ensure security as per the instructions of the Election Commission.
Sufficient lighting arrangements should be made at counting centres and fire tenders stationed in the vicinity.
“There is no specific intelligence input with regard to any violence or sabotage. The local police will regulate processions or jubilation that may follow the announcement of results. We have sufficient strength to handle any emergency,” the DGP added.
