Munugode by-poll: dynamic teams introduced first time; Rs 1.5 Cr, 290 liters liquor seized

Elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure free, fair, and peaceful by-poll in Munugode on November 3.

Five companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) have arrived in Nalgonda for poll duties. This is in addition to 500 cops from Telangana police who will be deployed for various poll duties.

CAPF will stay in the constituency until the counting day. A thick security blanket will be thrown around polling areas and strong rooms.

As part of the pre-poll security checks, cops have seized Rs 1.50 crore cash and 290 liters of liquor so far.

Around 36 independent candidates withdrew their candidature on Tuesday. Forty-seven candidates are now left in the fray. Munugode by-poll is scheduled to take place on November 3 and counting will be held on November 6.

Speaking to NewsMeter, Superintendent of Police, Nalgonda, Rema Rajeshwari said: "As prescribed by the Election Commission, elaborate security arrangments have been made for pre-poll, polling day, and counting day. Besides static teams and flying squads, I have introduced dynamic and cluster-based teams for security".

It is to recall that the dynamic police team set up by Rema Rajeshwari intercepted a Tata Safari and seized Rs 1 crore on Monday. Cops seized the cash since it had no substantial documents. The person who was questioned identified himself as a BJP corporator's husband. He said he collected cash from Guntur and was taking it to Munugode. The money was being transported at the request of BJP leader and media channel owner MP Vivek Venkatswam. The team handed over the cash to IT sleuths.

"Dynamic teams have been set up in and around Nalgonda district. Usually ahead of any elections, check posts are set up at all entry and exit points. People entering the constituency are checked for cash, liquor, or any unaccounted assets. However, given the Munugode by poll, dynamic teams have been pressed into service. These cops move around unlike the static posts and check vehicles and commuters," she explained.

She said history sheeters will be rounded up as a part of security arrangements to maintain order. "As a part of cluster-based security deployment, 3-5 villages have been clubbed. Each cluster team will have 20 police officials. This is primarily to deal with any nuisance, violence, or disturbance. There are around 165 villages that have been divided into clusters based on the population and security required" she said.