Provide adequate security to polling parties: SEC to DMs, SPs

The State Election Commission today asked all District Collectors and SPs to ensure that polling parties are provided adequate security while returning to block headquarters from polling booths.

In a new guideline, the SEC said that the presiding officers are told not to vacate the polling booths with ballot papers and ballot boxes without police escort. This apart, the presiding officers are also asked to come in big group instead of travelling alone.

"In order to ensure safety of the polling party and polling materials, the presiding officer shall be asked not to leave the polling station without proper security," the SEC letter to the District Collectors and SPs said.
 

The directive in this regard was issued by the SEC in the wake of violence in the first phase of polling held yesterday. While the polling in most places were smooth and peaceful, violence erupted after the polling and during counting of votes.

In some places, it was observed that the miscreants attacked the polling parties and snatched away ballot boxes and ballot papers while returning to block headquarters.

The Commission also stressed that all the sector officers/executive magistrates/ mobile police parties/ senior administrative and police officers shall monitor safe return of the polling parties and polled materials.

SEC sources said that at least six polling officials were detained by villagers in Sambalpur under Kundei police limits of Nabarangpur district. The cops who went to rescue the officials were also beaten up by the irate villagers who alleged impartial election in their area. A police vehicle was also reportedly damaged by the mob.