Telangana Police Chief Says No to Election Violence

Telangana's Director General of Police has promised strong action against anyone who hurts or mistreats people working during the local elections. Security is being increased across the state to keep everyone safe.
By Newsroom | Elections, Telangana |

Tension is high as Telangana prepares for its urban local bodies elections. The Director General of Police, Shivadhar Reddy, has made it clear that any harm or mistreatment of election workers will not be accepted. He has warned of serious outcomes for those who disrupt the election process or attack police and government staff on duty. This strong stance comes as security measures are being finalized across the state.

Strict action against attacks on poll staff, cautions Telangana DGP Shivadhar Reddy - 1

Security Network Established for Local Elections

  • Extensive Deployment: Security arrangements are in place for 8,203 polling stations. This includes 1,302 hyper-sensitive booths and 1,926 sensitive booths.

  • Personnel Mobilized: Nearly 3,000 individuals from the Telangana State Police, Forest, Excise, and CID departments have been assigned election duties.

  • Seizures Made: Ahead of the polls, police confiscated cash worth Rs 1.29 crore, liquor valued at over Rs 1.21 crore, and drugs worth Rs 15.7 lakh.

  • Broader Context: These measures are for the urban local bodies (ULB) elections scheduled for February 11, covering seven municipal corporations and 116 municipalities.

Zero Tolerance for Attacks on Election Officials

DGP Shivadhar Reddy has explicitly stated that there will be "strict action" against anyone found guilty of misconduct or causing harm to election duty personnel.

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Strict action against attacks on poll staff, cautions Telangana DGP Shivadhar Reddy - 2

"Abuse or attack on police and government personnel will not be tolerated. Illegal treatment of election personnel would have serious consequences."

This warning signifies a firm approach to ensure the safety and integrity of individuals performing their duties during the election period. Citizens with any complaints are encouraged to report them to the State Election Commission or higher authorities for prompt intervention.

Strict action against attacks on poll staff, cautions Telangana DGP Shivadhar Reddy - 3

Strategic Review of Election Preparedness

Leading up to the elections, police officials have been actively engaged in reviewing and strengthening security protocols.

Strict action against attacks on poll staff, cautions Telangana DGP Shivadhar Reddy - 4

  • High-Level Meetings: DGP Shivadhar Reddy has convened video conferences with key police officers, including Police Commissioners, District Superintendents of Police (SPs), and Station House Officers (SHOs) from areas where elections are due.

  • Legal Framework: Legal advisors have provided updates on the regulations governing election management, particularly concerning public gatherings and processions which require prior licenses.

  • Geographic Focus: Reviews have taken place with officers in districts like Nizamabad, where DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy also directed vigilance against false propaganda and social media activities intended to influence the election.

Measures to Ensure Fair Elections

Beyond personnel deployment, specific tactics are being employed to maintain order and prevent irregularities.

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  • Booth Categorization: Polling stations are classified as normal, sensitive, and hyper-sensitive to tailor security responses.

  • Enhanced Surveillance: Webcasting will be implemented at sensitive polling stations.

  • Border and Inter-District Control: 20 interstate border check posts and 55 interdistrict check posts have been established to monitor movement and prevent potential violations.

Concerns Regarding Post-Poll Incidents

There are indications of past tensions that influence current security strategies. K.T. Rama Rao, a leader from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), has raised concerns about "spectator policing" and inaction following post-election attacks on party workers. His statements highlight the expectation for law enforcement to actively address violence and provide support to victims, suggesting that a proactive rather than reactive approach is anticipated.

Official Statements and Actions

  • DGP Shivadhar Reddy's Directives: The DGP has instructed officials to conduct elections effectively and strictly according to the law. He has also emphasized that grievances or misconduct faced by election duty personnel will be met with severe repercussions.

  • Review Meetings: Numerous meetings and video conferences have been held to ensure all law and order arrangements are in place and that officers are prepared.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The Telangana police, under the leadership of DGP Shivadhar Reddy, appear to be implementing a comprehensive security plan for the upcoming urban local bodies elections. This plan includes a significant deployment of personnel, categorisation of polling stations based on sensitivity, and stringent warnings against any form of attack or misconduct directed at election staff. The confiscation of cash, liquor, and drugs indicates an active effort to curb illegal activities aimed at influencing the polls.

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While the police are making considerable efforts to ensure a smooth process, the statements from political figures like K.T. Rama Rao suggest an ongoing expectation for demonstrable action against post-poll violence and protection for party workers. The effectiveness of these measures will be tested as the election unfolds.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Telangana police chief warning about?
The police chief is warning that anyone who hurts or mistreats people working during the elections will face strict action.
Q: What kind of security is being put in place?
Many police officers are being sent to polling places, especially those that are more likely to have problems. They have also taken away a lot of cash, alcohol, and drugs.
Q: When are these elections happening?
The elections for local city areas are scheduled for February 11.
Q: What if people have complaints during the election?
People with complaints can tell the State Election Commission or other top officials.