Delhi Polls: Security intensified, over 150 paramilitary units deployed

Delhi Polls: Ahead of the Assembly elections on February 5, more than 150 paramilitary companies and over 30,000 police officers will be deployed across Delhi, an official confirmed on Monday.

Devesh Chandra Srivastva, Special CP (Crime) and In-charge of the Election Cell, spoke about the election preparations for the national capital. He emphasized that all Delhi Police personnel are dedicated to ensuring the elections are free, fair, and peaceful, and that pre-poll arrangements have already been put in place.

Srivastva highlighted record seizures of drugs, liquor, and regular cash, along with the identification of nearly 3,000 polling booths as sensitive. Some of these locations will be monitored using drones. He also stated that for sensitive booths, additional police forces and Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) would be deployed to maintain law and order.

Earlier in January, Delhi Police held an inter-state coordination meeting with law enforcement agencies to discuss security arrangements. The meeting, chaired by Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, was attended by senior officers from various states and union territories, including Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and others.

A police officer mentioned that senior Delhi Police officials requested more than 150 paramilitary companies and cyber-specialized officers to ensure tight surveillance during the elections. Over 30,000 police personnel will be assigned for the polls.

During the meeting, intelligence sharing and security matters were discussed, with a focus on enhancing anti-terror measures, including border checks and verification of suspicious individuals.

According to Delhi Police data, over 1,000 cases of alleged Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations have been registered since January 7, when the MCC took effect, up to February 2. Authorities have arrested 33,434 individuals under various legal provisions, including the Excise Act.

The police have ramped up vigilance at border checkpoints and cracked down on illegal activities, such as the smuggling of arms, liquor, and drugs. In total, 1,049 cases of MCC violations have been recorded, along with the seizure of 462 illegal firearms, 510 cartridges, and the arrest of 482 people under the Arms Act.

Additionally, law enforcement agencies have confiscated 1,08,258 litres of liquor, 196.602 kg of drugs worth over Rs 77.9 crore, and 1,200 banned injections, with 177 people arrested. Authorities have also seized Rs 11.23 crore in cash and 37.39 kg of silver.

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All district DCPs and senior officials have been briefed on the election preparations. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer) Sachin Sharma stated that teams are engaging in activities such as setting up police selfie points and encouraging eligible voters to participate.

“Besides maintaining law and order, we are also carrying out various initiatives to ensure peaceful voting,” DCP Sharma said. “All SHOs and police post-in-charges have been directed to ensure the rule of law.”

Surendra Choudhary, DCP of the Southwest district, mentioned that police teams are increasing day and night patrolling, while DCP Ravi Kumar Singh of the Southeast district shared that flag marches are being conducted regularly in sensitive areas.

“Foot and flag marches are being conducted daily in many sensitive locations,” said Singh.

(With inputs from PTI)