Lok Sabha polls: CPMF to man polling stations in dacoit infested belt of Chitrakoot

ALLAHABAD: In an attempt to conduct free and fair polls in the dacoit infested belt of Chitrakoot and Banda, the police administration have decided to deploy adequate forces including 10 companies and one battalion of Central Para-Military Forces (CPMF) and two companies of PAC so that people can cast their vote fearlessly.
Apart from CPMF and PAC, around 3,500 policemen including 1500 home guards would also be deployed to maintain law and order in the jurisdiction of constituency.
There are a total of 1,924 polling booths in the constituency. The police and district administration have identified 39 critical and 45 vulnerable booths where personnel of CPMF and PAC would be deployed.
Around 16.82 lakh voters would exercise their franchise for Banda-Chitrakoot parliamentary seat under the fifth phase on May 6.
Additional DG, Prayagraj zone, S N Sabat told TOI, “After identifying critical and vulnerable polling stations, we have decided to deploy adequate forces, especially personnel of CPMF and PAC”. He further added, “The battalions of CPMF have already started patrolling in the hilly terrain of the area with an objective to create secure atmosphere among the villagers."
Sabat also claimed that joint teams of UP and MP police are constantly carrying out combing operation in deep forest areas and a strict vigil is also being maintained on suspected sympathizers of bandit gangs.
The polling in five assembly segments that come under Banda-Chitrakoot parliamentary seat including Baberu, Naraini, Banda, Chitrakoot and Manikpur would be held on May 6.
As far as sensitive pockets are concerned, the police have identified over 32 locations in the limits of Manikpur, Pahari, Bahilpurwa and Markundi police stations and are maintaining a close watch round the clock.
“Bandits have not issued any 'diktat' in 2017 assembly polls and even till today, but we are still maintaining a close watch in dacoit infested villages,” said a senior cop preferring anonymity.