Security strengthened in poll-bound Chhattisgarh

Fearing attacks on top politicians and candidates from Maoists during electioneering, the CRPF has deployed over 56,000 personnel in Chhattisgarh, which goes to the polls on November 11 and 19.

The force is ready to meet the "big challenge,” Dilip Trivedi, CRPF Director-General, said. He said there are intelligence inputs about Maoists’ plans to target politicians during campaigning.

Trivedi has already toured the state to review the security scenario and plug loopholes, if any. The personnel deployed in the Maoist-infested states are defusing a number of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) dug deep in approach roads.

“We definitely have taken lessons from the past incidents and we can assure the country that we will deliver our best and ensure maximum security,” he said. The CRPF and other security forces are highly motivated and have already inducted all the forces brought in the state for poll-related duties, he said. Battalions have been withdrawn from Jammu and Kashmir and northeast for the purpose.

Officials said a number of politically important people in the state have been provided proximate and general security in view of the Maoist threat.