Odisha DGP Ensure Tight Security for Elections on May 20

Bhubaneswar: As Odisha gears up for the 5th phase of simultaneous elections, DGP Arun Kumar Sarangi assured the public on Sunday of the State Police’s thorough preparations to facilitate a free and fair electoral process.

Speaking at a press conference, DGP Sarangi highlighted the extensive security measures in place to ensure smooth and impartial elections across the state. “We have made elaborate security arrangements to guarantee a smooth, impartial, free, and fair election process,” said Sarangi.

For the upcoming polls, which will be held tomorrow in 11 districts covering five Lok Sabha seats—Bargarh, Sundargarh, Bolangir, Kandhamal, and Aska—and 35 Assembly constituencies within these Parliamentary segments, a formidable security force will be deployed. This includes 33,000 police personnel and 102 companies of central forces.

To bolster security further, mobile parties have been introduced. “For each 10-12 booth location, there will be one mobile party, amounting to 655 mobile parties during the elections,” Sarangi explained. Additionally, 48 interstate borders will be monitored with border check posts in place to prevent any untoward incidents.

In an effort to maintain vigilance, 257 flying squad teams and 251 static surveillance teams have been formed. The Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) strong rooms are secured at 18 locations, with inner security managed by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and outer security by the state police, the DGP added.

Special security measures have also been taken for polling booths in naxal-affected areas to ensure voter safety and electoral integrity.

DGP Sarangi urged voters to participate actively in the electoral process. “I request all voters to come out in large numbers. It is a great festival of democracy. Cast your vote,” he said, emphasizing the importance of voter turnout in this crucial democratic exercise.