Odisha Tightens Security Ahead of Crucial Third Phase Elections

Bhubaneswar: In preparation for the third phase of elections on May 25, Odisha Police has implemented extensive security measures to ensure a peaceful polling process. DGP Arun Kumar Sarangi announced on Friday that a combined force of 35,000 State police and paramilitary personnel will be deployed across six Lok Sabha and 42 Assembly segments under 12 police districts.

The elections will be conducted at 10,551 booths in 7,646 locations, with approximately 20% identified as sensitive. To manage security, 121 companies of Paramilitary Forces, 106 platoons of Odisha Armed Police, and 19,865 civil police officers will be on duty. This includes 43 Additional SPs, 95 DSPs, 238 inspectors, 2,160 SIs, 10,212 constables and havildars, and 7,117 Home Guards and Grama Rakhis.

Additionally, the Election Commission has provided 20 extra companies of Paramilitary personnel, supplemented by 1,000 officers from Chhattisgarh, in exchange for the 1,200 Home Guards Odisha lent earlier. Five young IPS officers of ASP rank have been assigned to sensitive areas in Sambalpur, Khordha, Keonjhar, and Cuttack.

Security at each booth will be overseen by designated police and paramilitary personnel, supported by mobile patrolling teams covering 10-12 booths each. Each Assembly segment has been divided, with DSPs and Additional SPs managing overall security. Specifically, 42 Additional SPs will supervise the Assembly segments, supported by 84 DSPs for sector management.

In total, 763 mobile parties will patrol, focusing on sensitive booths to ensure smooth elections. The deployment strategy also includes either one or a half section of CAPF at each sensitive booth.