Over 58,000 security personnel deployed for Phase I polls in K'taka

Bangalore, May 8 (UNI) In the backdrop of Election Commission of India taking unprecedented measures to ensure fair and free elections to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, the state police has made elaborate security arrangements by deploying over 58,000 security personnel for the Phase I polling slated for May 10.

Briefing newspersons on the measures initiated, Director General of Police R Sreekumar said that the deployment included about 15,000 men belonging to 225 companies of Para Military forces, 25,000 policemen, 15,000 Homeguards and 3000 KSRP personnel for elections to be held for 86 constituencies in eleven districts of Southern parts of the state.

He said out of 18,562 polling stations, 6252 had been classified as hyper sensitive and 3500 as sensitive. Armed policemen would guard all the hyper sensitive and sensitive booths. Mobile squads would also be deployed in every constituency to prevent any untoward incident.

The DGP said so far 329 cases against disfigurement of public place and 1458 cases for violation of Provisions of the Karnataka Excise Act had been booked and Rs three crore worth liquor was seized. More than 14,200 persons identified as trouble makers had been arrested and bonds undertaking good behavior had been obtained from them, he said.

More than 1000 criminal cases had been booked under IPC, Karnataka Peoples' Act and Representation of People's act. 120 cases of inducement of voters by giving them materials like TV sets had been booked and property worth Rs six crore seized, he said.

Police had also confiscated Rs 15.30 in cash meant to be used for inducement of voters and booked 88 cases.

So far 39 persons had been injured in election related incidents and RS 69 lakh worth property had been damaged.

"Karnataka is known for its peace loving people and none of these cases are serious in nature. There has been no deaths during the campaigning so far and the injuries are minor," he said.

The state police had also launched a website www.kspelections.com, to disseminate information related to action taken by police during elections and details about constituencies and candidates. People could also file their complaints on email and their names would be kept secret, he said.

"I appeal to the people of the state to extend support in enforcing the election laws, rules and model code of conduct strictly and impartially. Any information regarding mal-practices could be intimated to district control rooms or by SMS to 94806 90069, 70, 71 and 72," he added.

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