Brisk and peaceful polling in communally sensitive Marad

Kozhikode, Apr 29 (UNI) The electorate in communally sensitive Marad, where nine people were massacred by unidentified persons in May 2003, turned up in large numbers to vote, amid tight security.

A record 41 per cent polling was registered till 1300 hrs in 20 booths, including two in the affected area, Assistant Commissioner (AC) of Police Jayendran, in charge of Marad, told UNI.

No untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the sensitive area and polling was continuing smoothly, he said.

He said as a preventive measure, a large posse of security personnel, including Karnataka Police, were deployed in the locality.

As many as 70 policemen, under the command of an AC, had been deployed in the two booths, he said.

Besides, 11 police pickets and two checkposts had been set up to screen people entering the area. Four armed mobile vehicles were pressed into service for patrolling.

A strike force is ready at the control room for deployment at short notice in case of emergency, he said.

Senior police officials, including Inspector General of Police (North) M N Krishnamurthy and City Police Comissioner H Venktish visited the area to supervise security arrangements, he added.

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