Security measures taken for counting day

Mangaluru: DK DC Sasikanth Senthil informed the press that security has been amped up for the counting for the eight assembly seats in Dakshina Kannada at Mahatma Gandhi Centenary High School and PU College, Bondel, on Tuesday May 15.

Addressing the press on Monday May 14, Senthil said, “I thank everyone, from the ground level staff to the police, as the election was held peacefully in the district and there was no major complaint. Overall the district saw good turnout in all the constituencies. The counting process will be held on May 15, for which we have made certain standard operative procedures. During the counting process there will be returning officer, assistant returning officer and observer, even a counting agent for a candidate has been appointed as they have responsibility to note down and tally the counting.”

“Counting rooms will be under CCTV surveillance. The counting process will be start from 8 am. We have 380 service voters and have received 11,401 postal ballots. Postal ballot counting will start at 8 am. If the postal ballot counting does not finish by 8:30 am then the normal counting will start. Counting will be held round wise, and every round’s result will be declared. This time postal ballot has bar code system,” he added.

“Section 144 has been imposed from May 14 midnight to May 16 midnight, during which holding rallies and victory parades are restricted. If any counting agents see misbehavior in the counting centers, strict action will be taken so that the counting process is not disturbed,” he said.

Police commissioner Vipul Kumar added, “Election was held peacefully. I salute the spirit of Mangalureans. Even the post poll scenario is peaceful. We have made three-layer security arrangement ahead of counting which will be held on May 15. Outer zone will be traffic-free area, and parking vehicles within the 100 meters from counting centers is restricted. The three-tier security cordon consists of CAPF, KSRP, CAR and civil police. Three companies of CAPF-SSB are deployed to ensure peaceful counting process. All the persons entering the counting centers are thoroughly frisked before being allowed. No person is allowed to enter without the valid pass issued by DEO. Only the official and authorized vehicles are allowed. Emergency medical services and fire services have been arranged at counting centers. No vehicular movement in front of the counting centers is allowed. Parking for public vehicles has been provided at KHB ground and NMS ground. Traffic towards the airport and the city has been diverted.”

“Only those who possess valid pass can enter the premises. Electronic devices like mobile phone, iPad, and laptop are restricted. The counting centers will have three teams of SSB squad, 2 RAF squad, 6 KSRP, 6 CRF and 100 mobile patrolling vehicles so that there will be no untoward incident by any anti-social elements or any inconvenience to general public. I urge everyone to cooperate and ensure there is no breach of security, “he said.