Nuapada, Oct 1: Elaborate security measures have been put in place for the upcoming Nuapada by-election to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful polling process.
A total of 14 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed across the district for election duties. IG Himanshu Lal has been assigned charge of the range, as the Koraput Range DIG is currently on leave. Rajesh Kumar, IPS, ADGP (SAP), will oversee the overall security arrangements in Nuapada.
To maintain strict surveillance, 14 Flying Surveillance Teams (FSTs) and 14 Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) have been pressed into service, each equipped with round-the-clock CCTV monitoring. Border check posts have been set up along Chhattisgarh, Kalahandi, Bolangir, and Bargarh to prevent illegal movement and ensure smooth conduct of the polls.
A special anti-Naxal plan has been implemented, particularly targeting the Sunabeda forest region, known for Maoist presence. A helicopter service will be used for the deployment and retrieval of polling parties in remote and sensitive areas.
All critical and Naxal-affected polling booths will be guarded by CAPF and armed police personnel. Senior officers including the DGP, ADG (ANO), and ADG (Law and Order) have already reviewed on-ground preparations in Nuapada.
Officials affirmed that every measure has been taken to ensure the by-election is conducted in a transparent, secure, and peaceful manner.
