Nagpur Elections: Massive Security with Police and Central Forces Deployed

In a significant mobilization of security forces, Nagpur city is set to witness an extensive deployment of police personnel and Central Armed Forces for the upcoming Lok Sabha constituency elections on April 19. The city, which houses the RSS headquarters and serves as Maharashtra's second capital, will see Union Minister and current BJP MP Nitin Gadkari contesting against Congress MLA Vikas Thakre.

City Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal announced that a total of 4,161 policemen, alongside four companies of Central Armed Forces and 1,837 home guards, will be stationed across 2,765 polling booths to ensure the smooth conduct of the election process. This deployment aims to maintain order and security during the voting phase in this politically significant region.

The police force has been active since the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct on March 16, with various contrabands including drugs, 3,000 litres of liquor, and cash amounting to Rs 85 lakh being seized in preemptive actions. Additionally, eight firearms have been confiscated, and preventive measures have been taken against 1,625 individuals to curb any potential disruptions.

In parallel efforts to bolster election security, Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police Harssh Poddar outlined the deployment strategy for the district. A total of 151 officers, 2,676 police personnel, and 1,574 home guards will be assigned to safeguard 1,745 polling booths, including 52 identified as critical. To further strengthen security at sensitive locations, three companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be deployed.

The rural police force has also been vigilant since the Model Code of Conduct came into effect. Efforts have led to the seizure of liquor worth Rs 37 lakh and the filing of 569 cases under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act against 994 individuals. Additionally, enforcement under the Arms Act has resulted in 14 cases and the seizure of 17 weapons.

The first phase of general elections in Maharashtra will include five seats in the east Vidarbha region: Nagpur, Gadchiroli-Chimur ST, Bhandara-Gondiya, Chandrapur, and Ramtek SC. Among these, Congress's Shyam Kumar Barve and Shiv Sena's Raju Parwe are key candidates in Ramtek.

This comprehensive security arrangement underscores the authorities' commitment to ensuring a peaceful and orderly election process in Nagpur city and its surrounding areas. With such extensive preparations in place, Nagpur is geared up for a crucial day of voting that will determine its representation in the Lok Sabha.