Bhubaneswar: As many as 17,000 police forces will be deployed at various places for the first phase elections to be held tomorrow in Odisha.
In the first phase elections in Odisha, four Lok Sabha constituencies and 28 Assembly segments will go to polls on May 13 (Monday).
Addressing media conference about the security preparedness, DGP Arun Sarangi said EVM, VVPAT, polling parties have been despatched to the respective constituency.
As many as 7298 polling booths are there in nine districts out of which some booths are in the Maoist-dominated areas, the DGP said.
Out of total forces, 104 companies Para military forces and 66 platoons SAPs will be mobiled, he said adding that 600 mobile parties will inspect the booths. One mobile party will cover around 10.12 polling stations.
All the check posts bordering Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh will be under CCTV surveillance.
As per the ECI direction, police have set up 210 flying squads, and 195 static surveillance teams. After the completion of the election, the EVMs will be kept in 15 strong rooms which will be under round-the-clock security.
The paramilitary forces will guard the inner circle and SAPs will be in charge of the outer circle of the EVM strong rooms, the DGP informed.
Out of nine districts which will go to poll on Monday, six were naxal-infested districts.
Special security arrangements have been made for the safety of polling officials. Seven polling parties have been sent through special helicopters to Maoist-dominated Sunabedha areas.
The ECI has provided a helicopter for the naxal-hit regions in the State, the DGP said. The Election Commission has also provided an air ambulance for the polling parties
