DGP Reviews Security Arrangements For Vote Counting In Odisha

Cuttack: With the Election Commission of India (ECI) deciding to take up counting of votes in 62 locations in Odisha on May 23, DGP RP Sharma on Saturday reviewed the security arrangements with police officers through video conferencing at State Police Headquarters here.

The DGP directed the SPs to make full proof three-tier security arrangement at the counting centres in accordance with the ECI guidelines. The strong room with EVMs will be under the protection of CAPF and state armed police deployed at the inner ring with local police guarding the periphery areas. He also advised them to apprise Additional DGP (Law and Order) of the need for extra manpower latest by May 19.

At present, 69 companies of CAPF have been deployed at different districts. They are engaged in guarding the strong rooms and another 12 companies are expected to reach the state shortly to manage the counting task.

The DGP also asked the SPs to open control rooms in the vicinity of counting centres equipped with VHF, PA system and other communication equipment. Since the counting of votes, this time, may continue till late evening, he asked the SPs to make additional arrangement of light and drinking water.

A total of 172 platoons of Special Armed Police and 69 companies of Central Armed Police Force will be deployed across the state during the counting of votes.CCTV cameras will be installed both inside and outside the counting centres.