Hyderabad: Violent incidents reported across the region on Tuesday prompted cops to step up security in Seemandhra which is witnessing a stiff competition between the YSRC and the TD in the LS and Assembly polls.
Information of Maoist action teams being on the prowl in Visakhapatnam led to Greyhounds and SIB teams being pressed into action. Over 1.22 lakh policemen have been deployed in the Seemandhra districts.
Director General of Police B. Prasada Rao said, “Bandobast arrangements are in place. Nearly 72,000 civil police and district armed reserve police have been deployed apart from 10,500 home guards, 284 central paramilitary forces and 69 AP Special Police companies.”
He added, “With these forces we shall be able to ensure peaceful elections.”
Talking about Maoist influence on the polls in North Andhra, the DGP said, “Maoists have called for boycott of polls and are trying to disrupt the election process. But we are taking measures to counter Maoist actions.”
He added that the Maoists have formed action teams that may resort to snatching EVMs at polling stations, cutting trees and blocking roads to create hurdles in transporting EVMs.
“We are aware of all these tactics and have deployed greyhounds and special parties,” he said.
Four IAF helicopters, two each in Rajahmundry and Vishakapatnam, have been stationed for any contingency.
