Odisha Police Ensures Robust Security Measures for Upcoming Polls

Bhubaneswar: With the Phase III elections for six Lok Sabha and 42 Assembly seats in Odisha looming closer, the Odisha Police has intensified its efforts to ensure free and fair polling on May 25.

In a press conference, Director General of Police (DGP) Arun Kumar Sarangi outlined the extensive security arrangements put in place for the elections. He stated, “A total of 35,000 state police and paramilitary personnel will be deployed across 12 police districts to maintain law and order during the polling process.”

Polling will take place in 10,551 booths spread across 7,646 locations, with approximately 20% of these booths categorized as sensitive. To address security concerns effectively, a comprehensive deployment plan has been devised, involving various units of law enforcement.

Sarangi disclosed that 121 companies of Paramilitary Forces, 106 platoons of Odisha Armed Police, and 19,865 civil police personnel have been mobilized to ensure the smooth conduct of elections. Additionally, a significant number of Additional Superintendents of Police (ASPs), Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), inspectors, sub-inspectors, constables, and home guards have been deployed across the constituencies.

Special attention has been given to sensitive booths, with five young IPS officers of ASP rank stationed in key areas like Sambalpur, Khordha, Keonjhar, and Cuttack. Furthermore, 84 DSPs have been assigned to individual assembly segments to oversee law enforcement efforts.

To enhance operational efficiency, the police have divided the 42 Assembly segments into 231 sectors, ensuring effective coverage and response mechanisms. Each sensitive booth will be monitored closely, with either one or a half section of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel deployed for added security.