300 CCTV cameras to monitor polling booths in Madurai: DGP

Chairing a meeting in Madurai, the DGP stated that there were 10 Lok Sabha constituencies and 7 Assembly segments, spread over nine districts and two police commissionerates, in the south zone.

Of the 16,475 polling stations in 8,120 locations, 1,485 stations have been identified as vulnerable. Around 300 CCTV cameras were being installed in Madurai city for better surveillance in polling booths. An dedicated control room would be made operational in all districts and cities on the poll day, he said.

Polling, which is scheduled on April 18 (Thursday), will commence at 7 am and conclude at 6 pm, with voters getting two additional hours in Madurai Lok Sabha constituency, which covers 6 Assembly segments, including Melur, Madurai East, Madurai North, Madurai South, Madurai Central and Madurai West.

On preventive measures undertaken to curtail the activities of anti-social elements in the south zone, Shukla said 83 people had been detained under the Goondas Act and action initiated against 3,917 people. The entire strength of local police, state armed police and armed reserve strength would be deployed as per election norms during the entire election process to ensure the smooth conduct of polls.

In addition, 45 companies of central armed police force would be deployed at vulnerable polling stations in 10 Lok Sabha constituencies. The DGP further added that 109 checkposts with enough strength were functioning round-the-clock in the zone to monitor and maintain surveillance on the entry of vehicles. As many as 398 flying squads and 197 static surveillance teams were operating in the zone. “Both these squads would be involved in effectively carrying out patrols to prevent any distribution of money, material or gift to voters aimed at influencing them.”

Furthermore, the DGP informed that adequate striking forces and a total of 1,522 zonal parties were formed to monitor the poll proceedings. One commando team from Tamil Nadu commando force would be stationed in Madurai to attend to any emergency. The DGP also added that striking force would ensure that the response time of police is minimised in attending poll related issues.

South Zone Inspector General K P Shanmuga Rajeswaran, Commissioner of Police, Madurai City, S Davidson Devasirvatham and other senior officers were present during the meeting.