The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Three-tier security cover for counting centres

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Saturday, Apr 16, 2011
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Three-tier security cover for counting centres

Mandated to guard counting centres round-the-clock, authorities have left nothing to chance, writes R.Rajaram

With polling day passing off peacefully amid tight security, the focus of law enforcers has now shifted to safeguarding the counting centres where Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) of various Assembly constituencies have been kept inside the strong rooms.

A three-tier security cover has been put in place by the law enforcing authorities at the 14 counting centres in eight districts falling within the Central Zone to bolster vigil and prevent entry of unauthorised persons. The Saranathan College of Engineering at Panchappur in the city and K.Ramakrishnan College of Engineering at Siruganur are the counting centres for Tiruchi district.

After the election conducted in a single day on April 13, the law enforcers are now on their feet to provide security for an entire month to the counting centres. Mandated with the task to guard the counting centres round-the-clock till May 13, the authorities have left nothing to chance.

Clear instructions have been issued by the office of the Director General of Police to all Commissioners of Police and Superintendents of Police with regard to the security set up that needs to be followed at the counting centres.

Along with police personnel from the Tamil Nadu Special Police (TSP), Armed Reserve and local strength, paramilitary personnel from the Border Security Force and Railway Protection Force also provide security cover to the counting centres.

Police sources here say the entire security at each counting centre is being supervised by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (Assistant Commissioner of Police in the case of city ) assisted by Inspectors, Sub Inspectors and Constables in shifts round-the-clock. Security for strong rooms where EVMs have been kept has been provided by teams of paramilitary and TSP personnel.

Personnel of Striking Force in adequate numbers have been kept in a state of preparedness at the nearest point of the counting centre to act in case of any emergency.

Surveillance cameras to monitor movements in the centres had been installed to strengthen vigil. Better illumination had be arranged inside and outside the counting centres, where generators are also to be provided.

Law enforcers have also been asked to utilise commando trained police personnel for security requirements on the counting day.

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