MPTC, ZPTC polling peaceful across state: DGP

Amaravati: Polling for the Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) elections went off peacefully across the state on Thursday, barring a few minor incidents, according to director general of police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta said.

He said voters participated in large numbers and exercised their franchise in a peaceful atmosphere, thanks to elaborate security arrangements, continuous surveillance and effective monitoring by the police. Elections were held for 582 ZPTC and 7,767 MPTC seats across 28 districts. As many as 40,679 police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order at 31,472 polling stations spread across 17,555 polling areas.

The DGP said sensitive and highly sensitive polling areas had been identified in advance and additional police forces were deployed to prevent any untoward incidents. Police personnel maintained round-the-clock vigilance and took immediate action wherever necessary.

Gupta personally monitored the polling process and security arrangements from the Integrated Command Control Centre at the State Police Headquarters. He reviewed the ground situation continuously and issued instructions to senior officers and field personnel to respond promptly to local requirements. Advanced technology, including CCTV cameras, videography, drones, body-worn cameras, the Samarth app and the Trace application, was extensively used to monitor polling activities and ensure transparency and security.

The DGP said the police department had received reports of 37 incidents from 15 districts, including Kadapa, Anantapur and Kurnool. He directed district police officials to verify the incidents using available technological resources, identify those responsible and initiate strict legal action against anyone involved in electoral malpractice or disturbances.

He warned that violations of election rules and attempts to disrupt the polling process would not be tolerated and instructed officers to ensure impartial action against the offenders.

Following the conclusion of polling, ballot boxes were transported from polling stations to designated strong rooms under tight police security. Special security arrangements were also made at strong rooms to ensure the safety of ballot boxes until the counting process.

The DGP appreciated the efforts of senior police officers, district SPs, police personnel and other security forces for their dedicated services in ensuring peaceful polling. He also thanked voters and the public for extending cooperation to the police and contributing to the smooth conduct of the democratic exercise.

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The Hans India