JOIN USArmed police personnel guarding them round the clock
The Bengaluru police have thrown a three-layered security cover around 25 centres where the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in Saturday’s BBMP elections have been kept. The security would continue until the counting of votes ends on Tuesday.
In the first layer, adequate power supply has been ensured in the strongrooms where the EVMs are kept. Armed policemen are guarding these rooms round the clock. The second layer of security is outside the room and the third in and around the compound of each building. The personnel have been provided with weapons and instructed to remain alert all the time.
Some of the places where the EVMs have been kept are Kengeri Education Trust, Government First Grade College, Vijayanagar, BBMP building, Kamakshipalya, VHD Home Science College and Bright High School, Kasturinagar, said N S Megharik, the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner.
In the City’s eastern parts, the EVMs are kept in four strongrooms, each of which is personally supervised by an ACP, four inspectors and hundreds of junior policemen. Besides, two platoons of the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) have been deployed in each strongroom,” said P Harisekharan, Additional Commissioner of Police (East).
In addition, the local police have been instructed to intensify night patrolling and watch out for suspicious people. Only authorised persons carrying valid identity cards are permitted inside the centres, the police said.
The counting day
Megharik said the security would be increased on Tuesday when the votes are counted. “Prohibitory orders will be in force around the counting centres as intelligence reports have warned that supporters of winning and loosing candidates may face off,” he said.
Almost 10,000 police personnel will be on duty that day as the entire force of Bengaluru police will be on its toes. Sixty-six platoons of the KSRP will be deployed across the City.
Processions and sale of liquor will be banned on Tuesday and Wednesday. DCPs, and ACPs will personally monitor law and order, the commissioner said. The security arrangements will be reviewed on Tuesday morning if the situation so warrants, he added.