140 companies of central forces, 76,000 police personnel; massive security deployed for elections

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police have arranged strict security measures to prevent violence and avoid any untoward incidents during polling. In addition to more than 76,000 police personnel, 140 companies of central forces and 20 companies of Tamil Nadu Police will be deployed.

Police stations have been reorganized into 154 election subdivisions, with security arrangements overseen by district police chiefs. To prevent fake voting, booth capturing, and violence, drone surveillance will be used at sensitive polling booths. A total of 76,203 personnel, including 28,209 Special Police Officers, will be deployed across 30,471 polling booths in the state, including 2,500 sensitive booths. Apart from the police, personnel from special units, battalions, and other departments have also been assigned duties. Central forces deployed include CISF, CRPF, BSF, SSB, and the Rapid Action Force.

At highly sensitive Category A booths, four central force personnel will be deployed at each booth, while Category B booths will have two personnel each, along with additional police presence. Group patrols, police pickets, and surveillance systems will also be in place. The central forces will operate under the instructions of the Superintendent of Police or Sub-Divisional officers. They will assist in maintaining law and order, managing crowds, and helping voters.

“All security arrangements have been completed to ensure smooth conduct of the elections.”
- Ravada Chandrasekhar
State Police Chief.