Municipal Elections: Rs 3.09 crore worth assets seized, 1,183 licensed weapons deposited across Telangana

Hyderabad: Ahead of the municipal elections on February 11 (Wednesday), police across Telangana have carried out record enforcement during the Model Code of Conduct period, seizing cash and other materials worth Rs 3.09 crore since January 27, said Director-General of Police (DGP) B Shivadhar Reddy, IPS.

The seizures include Rs 1.29 crore in unaccounted cash, liquor valued at Rs 1.21 crore, narcotics worth Rs 15.7 lakh and gold and silver ornaments valued at Rs 28.69 lakh, reflecting intensified vigilance to ensure free and fair polls.

Extensive security arrangements for polling

Briefing the media on Tuesday, Shivadhar Reddy said elaborate security measures have been put in place for polling in seven municipal corporations and 116 municipalities scheduled on Wednesday. A total of 8,203 polling stations have been established across the state.

Of these, 1,302 polling stations have been identified as highly sensitive and 1,926 as sensitive, with additional police deployment to prevent disturbances and ensure voter confidence.

100% webcasting and surveillance

To maintain transparency, 100 per cent webcasting has been arranged at all polling stations. In highly sensitive areas, surveillance has been extended beyond polling premises with CCTV cameras installed outside polling stations for continuous monitoring.

Additional forces and visible policing

About 3,000 additional personnel have been deployed for election duty, including teams from the Telangana State Special Police (TGSP) and officials from the Forest, Excise, CID and Legal Metrology departments.

With the election campaign ending at 5 pm on Monday, the silent period is now in force, and police have intensified visible policing and area domination patrols.

Border checks and anti-smuggling measures

To curb illegal movement of cash, liquor and other inducements, police have set up 20 check posts along inter-state borders and 55 check posts at district boundaries.

Special surveillance is underway along the borders with Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, supported by 181 flying squads and 167 static surveillance teams.

Preventive action to maintain law and order

As part of preventive measures, 1,183 licensed weapons have been deposited across the state.

Police have also bound over 4,318 persons likely to cause disturbances and executed 398 non-bailable warrants pending in various cases. So far, 142 FIRs have been registered for violations of election-related norms.

Appeal to voters

The DGP said comprehensive training has been imparted to field-level officers to ensure the smooth conduct of polling. He appealed to voters to reject inducements and intimidation and to exercise their constitutional right to vote freely and fearlessly.