MYSORE: Security measures are in place for the smooth conduct of the Chamundeshwari byelection on December 4. Over 6,000 security personnel drawn from paramilitary forces, Karnataka State Reserve Police and the District Armed Reserve have been stationed in parts of Mysore city and district.

The Commissioner of Police, Praveen Sood, and the Superintendent of Police, Murugan, told presspersons here on Friday that there were 193 booths in Mysore urban segment of the Chamundeshwari constituency of which 153 booths were categorised as hyper-sensitive and 40 as sensitive.

In the rural segment of the constituency, there were 153 polling booths of which 79 were hyper-sensitive and 56 sensitive while only eight polling booths have been classified as normal.

Each sensitive booth would be manned by two head constables and eight police constables plus a woman constable while 13 police personnel would man the hypersensitive booths.

Mobile squads

In Mysore urban, there would be 24 mobile squads, each with an officer of the rank of ASI apart from 15 squads headed by officers in the rank of inspectors. In Mysore rural, 28 mobile squads would keep a watch on the constituency, they said.

The authorities had constituted four special magistrates, one each for the hoblis in Mysore taluk to monitor the ground situation while six excise squads were in place to prevent any illicit trafficking of liquor.

The sale of liquor was banned in the district and the adjoining Srirangapatana taluk which is in Mandya district and the prohibition would be in place till the midnight of December 7, authorities said.

Mr. Sood and Mr. Murugan claimed that the situation was normal.

Meanwhile, the authorities have clamped Section 126 of the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 1996 as per which no person shall convene, hold or attend or address any public meeting or procession in connection with election; display to public any election matter by means of cinematography, television or propagate in any polling area during the next 48 hours ending with the conclusion of campaign at 5 p.m. on Saturday, violation of which will led to legal action.

Mr. Praveen Sood said that a large number of supporters of various political parties had been staying in the city in various hotels, community halls and choultries to canvass for their respective candidates. He said that since no campaigning would take place after 5 p.m. on December 2, people who had come from outside for campaigning should leave the city.

"This measure is being taken to ensure free and fair poll on December 4 and owners of hotels, lodges, guesthouses, choultries and community halls have been instructed to take note of the instruction," he said.

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