Angul: The police administration in Angul district has identified 53 booths as Mao-infested and has initiated measures to ensure free and fair elections, said Superintendent of Police Mitrabhanu Mahapatra.
Out of the 53 Mao-infested booths, Athmallik has the 31 such booths. The number of such booths in Pallahara, Angul and Chhendipada is 15, five and two respectively.
These booths and the ones categorised as more sensitive booths will have three tier security arrangements.
CRPF jawans, Odisha police and armed police will be deployed at these booths.
Mobile patrol teams will assist the personnel at remote pockets. They will do patrolling on bikes near the booth.
The district volunteer forces (DVF) have been asked to be ready for the election. If needed, forces from neighbouring districts would be engaged. VHF and satellite phones of police and forest departments will be put to use in the areas where there is no mobile network.
Similarly, steps have already been taken to seal the border of the district. Picketing and frisking of vehicles is on, Mahapatra said, adding that the police will keep a tab on the criminals and take steps to stem any kind of criminal activities.
PNN