Maoist threat taken care of: DGP

Hyderabad: Director General of Police (DGP) B Prasada Rao said that vulnerability assessment of the Maoist affected areas and other sensitive areas was made and steps were taken to ensure smooth conduct of elections in the State on April 30 and May 7.

“Maoists presence is very much there in the neighbouring States of Chattisgarsh and Odisha. Keeping that in view and assuming that they may indulge in acts of violence in the areas of bordering districts, we keep a continuous vigil in these parts, especially through our special parties and specialised anti-Maoist force, Greyhounds,” the DGP explained at the ‘Meet-the-Press’ programme conducted by Telangana Union of Working Journalists here on Sunday. The forces would continuously monitor and initiate counter measures against the Maoists, he added.

Explaining about the paramilitary forces, he said that the State police were leaving no stone unturned in taking security measures despite limited number of personnel. “We are managing with 60 companies of paramilitary forces against the sanctioned strength of 80 companies. Striking forces, special striking forces and route mobiles have been created at various polling stations comprising DSPs, SI, HC, and constables. Various check-posts have been set up to curb illegal distribution of liquor, gifts, transportation of money,” the DGP explained.

When asked about the number of cases booked against illegal transportation of money ahead of the elections, he said as many as 3,000 cases were booked and cash seizures touched Rs 160 crore out of which 40 per cent was with the income tax authorities.