Security arrangements in place for urban local bodies polls across Telangana: DGP

Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place for the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections scheduled on February 11 across seven municipal corporations and 116 municipalities, Telangana Director General of Police Shivadhar Reddy said on Tuesday.

Addressing the media ahead of polling, the DGP said the police department has intensified visible policing across the state to ensure peaceful and fair elections. Special deployments have been made at highly sensitive polling stations, while strict monitoring is being carried out to prevent any untoward incidents during the election process.

The DGP said the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has been in force since January 27 in all police commissionerates and districts, except Hyderabad. As part of preventive measures, authorities have ensured the surrender of 1,183 licensed weapons across the state. In addition, 4,318 individuals were bound over for good behaviour, and 398 non-bailable warrants were executed or recalled, he said.

To curb illegal movement and ensure tight border security, the police have established 20 inter-state check posts along Telangana’s borders with Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Along with these, 55 inter-district check posts have also been set up. A large surveillance network has been activated, including 181 Flying Squad Teams and 167 Static Surveillance Teams, to check the movement of cash, liquor, and other illegal materials.

The DGP said security arrangements have been made at 8,203 polling stations, including 1,302 hyper-sensitive booths and 1,926 sensitive booths. Nearly 3,000 personnel from various departments, including Telangana State Police (TGSP), Forest, Excise and CID, have been deployed for election duty to strengthen law and order.

Meanwhile, enforcement action against MCC violations has also been stepped up. Officials said 988 cases related to code violations have been registered and fines exceeding Rs 3.09 crore imposed. During inspections, police seized cash worth Rs 1.29 crore, liquor valued at over Rs 1.21 crore, and drugs worth Rs 15.7 lakh.

The DGP appealed to voters to cooperate with authorities and participate in the polling process peacefully.

- Ends

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