The Tamil Nadu Police have sought about 100 companies of police personnel from neighbouring States as part of the elaborate security arrangements for local body elections slated for October 17 and 19.
Home Guards
Director General of Police K. Ramanujam said that the State had sought forces from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra. Besides mobilising the entire police force, it was decided to utilise the services of the Home Guards, ex-servicemen and personnel from other uniformed services such as the Department of Fire and Rescue Services and Forest.
He said that senior police officers had been briefed about the security requirements and steps taken to ensure free and fair elections. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) S. George was touring the State and meeting Zonal Inspectors-General of Police, Police Commissioners and others to review the arrangements.
“We have been informed that electronic voting machines (EVMs) will be used in urban areas. We have adequate manpower to ensure peaceful polling. Police personnel from other States will be deployed in different districts to assist the local police.”
According to police sources, Inspector General of Police Alexander Mohan has been nominated to supervise election-related bandobust. No decision has been taken on seeking the deployment of Central Paramilitary Forces (CPMFs) though there were persistent demands from political parties.
Petition filed
G. Poonkunran (45), an advocate residing at Tiruvanmiyur, had filed a writ petition in the Madras High Court recently expressing apprehension that the local police, under the influence of the ruling party, might remain mute spectators to poll-related violence or offences.
Pointing out that large-scale transfers of senior police officers had taken place ahead of the elections, he wanted the State Election Commission to seek the help of CPMFs for smooth conduct of the polls.
Similarly, some political parties, including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, had made a representation to the State Election Commission demanding the deployment of CPMFs, videography of the entire polling process and appointment of independent election observers in all districts, the sources added.
