Thiruvananthapuram: Security has been tightened around strong room, counting centres, sensitive areas ahead of counting on May 23.
Three tier security arrangements have been made for counting at the 140 counting centres across the state. The local police will be deployed within 100 meters of the counting centre building while the members of Kerala Armed police battalions will be posted inside the premises.
The main gate will be manned by Central Armed Police Force personnel. Currently 16 companies of CAPF are manning the 257 strong rooms which have been set up across the state for keeping EVMs, Ballot units, control units and VVPAT.
The EVMs, Ballot units, control units and VVPAT will be brought out of strong rooms in heavy security and escorted to the respective counting centres under tight security on May 23 morning.
State police chief Loknath Behara said apart from strong rooms and counting centres, security has also been beefed up in areas where trouble is expected before and after counting. The patrolling units will maintain strict vigil in such areas to prevent untoward incidents.
The police will be deployed in good numbers outside counting centres to ensure the victory celebrations do not lead to any clashes between workers of rival parties.
