Over 50,000 cops deployed to watch over Telangana municipal polls

Hyderabad: Close to 50,000 police personnel will watch over the Telangana municipal elections being held today. There has been a heavy deployment of forces in areas notified as ‘sensitive’, particularly Bhainsa municipality of Nirmal district that was recently hit by communal clashes.

A senior officer with the Telangana police told NewsMeter, “Over 500 policemen have been deployed at Bhainsa besides Rapid Action Force and TS Special Force.”

Authorities have made special security arrangements for districts affected by left-wing extremism. "Area domination exercises have been carried out extensively to prevent untoward incidents. Adequate measures are being taken in community sensitive areas by providing additional resources," said a police officer.

During the campaign trail, over 131 cases were booked against politicians and party leaders for violation of the Model Code of Conduct. An amount of Rs 51.36 lakh and liquor worth Rs 21. 22 lakh were seized by flying squads.

Besides the cases booked for MCC violations, the Telangana police have registered 1,122 cases against 4,969 persons under preventive sections of law.

All through the election trail, Bhainsa Municipality witnessed the violence of a high degree. Over 13 houses were burnt and 24 bikes were set afire after communal clashes broke out between two groups. A plethora of security forces was deployed at Bhainsa where the internet was suspended for 72 hours.

The police have prohibited entry of non-voters inside polling booths.