Bhubaneswar: Security arrangements for the by-election in Nuapada Assembly constituency have been substantially strengthened by the Odisha Police with special focus on tackling any possible Maoist menace.
Sharing details of security measures for the bypoll to be held on November 11, Additional Director General of Police (L&O) Sanjay Kumar said 14 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed in the district to ensure smooth and peaceful polling.
Stating that the situation on the ground has been reviewed thoroughly, he said Nuapada Superintendent of Police (SP) Amritpal Singh has been instructed to maintain strict law and order during the bypoll, he said.
Notably, Director General of Police (DGP) Y B Khurania had also visited Nuapada ahead of the by-election to take stock of the ground situation and chalk out strategies for security arrangements to ensure peaceful and trouble-free voting.
Regarding security challenges, Kumar said Nuapada shares a border with Chhattisgarh, where encounters with Naxals earlier this year resulted in casualties.
As intelligence reports indicate that Naxal activity still persists in the region, all necessary measures are being taken to ensure a free and fair election, he said.
Himansu Kumar Lal, Inspector General of Police, Northern Range, has been assigned to oversee security operations in Nuapada as the DIG concerned is on leave. Overall supervision has been entrusted to Rajesh Kumar, ADG (SA.P).
At least five police platoons, along with over 500 constables and home guards, have been deployed in the district.
Fourteen check posts have been established in and around Nuapada, with additional posts in neighbouring districts of Kalahandi, Balangir, and Bargarh. Chhattisgarh police have also set up a check post along the border to monitor vehicular movement to and from Nuapada.
According to Nuapada SP, 18 flying squads have been formed to conduct surprise checks to prevent illegal transport of cash, liquor, and other contraband ahead of the by-election. The district administration and police are fully prepared to ensure a peaceful election, he said.
