Tight security for Lok Sabha polls: SP

Superintendent of Police Harish Pande said that security will be strengthened in Maoist-affected areas and sensitive areas in Chikkamagaluru district ahead of Lok Sabha polls.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, he said 1,008 rowdy-sheeters have been identified in the district. Around 2,000 police personnel will be deployed for maintaining law and order. Paramilitary forces will also be deployed.

He said a special campaign will be carried out in Maoist affected areas. Public meetings will be organised to create awareness on exercising franchise in a democracy. Combing operations will be continued in the Maoist-affected areas.

CCTV cameras will be installed at check posts. All precautionary measures have been taken to conduct the election in a peaceful manner.

The SP said that bottles that were used for filling kerosene to set fire to a forest check post at Basarikallu in Kalasa were supplied to MSIL four days before the incident.

"It was not an act by the Maoists. The police are collecting evidence to arrest a few suspects in the case."

The SP said that a total of 66 criminal cases were registered during 2013 Assembly elections, 2018 Assembly elections and 2014 Lok Sabha elections, of which, 15 cases have been convicted.

The investigation is in progress in 24 cases while nine cases have been dismissed due to various reasons and 18 cases the accused have been acquitted, he explained.