With the panchayat byelections for the Ellenabad and Rania blocks scheduled on Sunday, the Sirsa police have been on high alert and completed all security arrangements. Superintendent of Police Deepak Saharan said that all observers and local police officers have been instructed to deploy additional personnel at sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations. They have also been directed to personally monitor the situation and ensure strict vigilance.
Patrolling teams have been deployed in sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incidents. The police officers have been instructed to maintain cordial relations with voters while keeping a close watch on suspicious and anti-social elements, taking immediate and strict action whenever required.
“Conducting free and fair elections is our top priority, and no negligence will be tolerated,” Saharan said.
Security has also been tightened along the Punjab and Rajasthan borders adjoining Sirsa, with round-the-clock monitoring at border checkpoints and thorough checks of vehicles and individuals entering the district.
Security arrangements around polling stations have been further strengthened. In addition, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the District Commissioner has imposed a complete ban on gatherings of five or more people within a 200-metre radius of polling centres.
