Police beef up security ahead of Municipal polls across Rayalaseema

Police across the Rayalaseema districts have stepped up vigilance and intensified the bandobast arrangements for the municipal elections, scheduled for Sunday, focusing on sensitive polling stations.

Superintendent of Police (Sri Sathya Sai district) S. Satish Kumar on Saturday inspected the polling stations in Hindupur municipality, including Mothukupalli, Hasnabad and Rahmathpur. Reviewing the arrangements, the SP directed the police officers to deploy additional personnel at sensitive and highly sensitive booths and maintain round-the-clock surveillance.

The SP instructed the police personnel to regulate queues, prevent crowds near polling stations and ensure voters leave after casting their votes. Only authorised persons should enter polling premises, he said. He also ordered close watch on rowdy-sheeters and troublemakers, strict action against violations and tight security at strong rooms and counting centres, with CCTV monitoring.

In Chittoor, Additional SP (Administration) Mahaboob Basha briefed officers and personnel assigned to poll duty. He stressed coordination among booth security teams, mobile patrols, striking forces and response teams.

The Additional SP directed the police personnel on bandobast duties to follow election rules, treat voters courteously and manage queues. Security personnel should not enter polling stations without the presiding officer’s permission. Electronic voting machines must be protected until they reach strong rooms, he said.

Meanwhile, Annamayya District Collector and Election Officer Nishanth Kumar ordered strict enforcement of election restrictions. Liquor outlets in poll-bound municipal areas will remain closed on the polling and counting days.

Political leaders, workers and campaigners who are not registered voters in the respective municipal areas must leave after the campaign deadline. “We have stepped up checks in lodges, guest houses and function halls, monitored vehicles and enforced prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS,” the Collector said.

The Collector appealed to the public to exercise their franchise without fear and urged departments to work together for peaceful polling.

local elections / Andhra Pradesh / Rayalaseema