EC trains' TS police on poll preparedness

The state chief electoral officer (CEO) Vikas Raj on Wednesday asked police officials to adapt to new strategies and techniques for maintaining security during elections.

The one-day training program was organised for Telangana police officers to enhance election security and their understanding of security modules critical for ensuring a smooth and secure electoral process.

Raj asked Telangana police to be vigilant in sensitive areas by deploying additional forces to prevent untoward incidents and keep a watch on the regular movements of those with criminal pasts.

DGP Anjani Kumar spoke about various security-related aspects, ranging from suspect vehicle checks for illegal transportation of cash or liquor to management of polling stations on the election day. He explained the importance of maintaining good practices and transparency to ensure peaceful and fair elections.

Kumar said that 700 police personnel had been reshuffled in accordance with the Election Commission's directives. He



highlighted the establishment of approximately 80-85 check posts along the inter-state borders with Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Odisha. Integrated with closed-circuit cameras, these checkpoints are poised to bolster security measures.

West Bengal CEO Aariz Aftab offered a detailed presentation on preparatory work leading up to the elections. He discussed categorisation of polling booths and vulnerability assessments, emphasizing criticality assessments as well. His insights encompassed the entire spectrum of security arrangements from pre-polling to post-polling periods.

Tamil Nadu CEO Satyabrata Sahoo facilitated senior police officers in comprehending the requirements, induction, deployment, and de-induction of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). He delved into the deployment strategies of state police as well. He also conducted a session on maintaining law and order, focusing on pertinent issues related to the model code of conduct (MCC) and expenditure monitoring.