Security arrangements at nine counting centres reviewed

Tribune News Service

Ambala, May 18

The Superintendent of Police (SP), Ambala, Mohit Handa, reviewed security arrangements at counting centres here today.

The electronic voting machines (EVMs) and VVPAT machines sealed with the fate of 18 contestants from Ambala (Reserved) parliamentary constituency, comprising nine Assembly segments – Ambala Cantonment, Ambala City, Kalka, Panchkula, Naraingarh, Mulana, Sadhaura, Jagadhari and Yamunanagar – spread across three districts – Ambala, Panchkula and Yamunanagar – have been kept at their respective counting centres under foolproof three-tier security arrangements backed by the CCTV cameras in place.

In all, 2,045 EVMs have been kept at nine counting centres set up for counting votes in the Ambala Lok Sabha constituency on May 23.

The SP visited the counting centres and checked the three-tier tight security arrangements on the ground made in and around the counting centres, which have been duly sealed, to avert any possible sabotage or pilferage whatsoever.

The EVMs and VVPAT machines brought to the designated strong rooms from all polling stations were being guarded by the police and paramilitary personnel under round-the-clock vigil.

Giving details about the three-tier arrangements, he said that in the first layer, Central Armed Police Forces were deployed near the strong rooms, Haryana Armed Police personnel posted in second layer and district police personnel were manning the outer layer.

“Nine strong rooms have been established at as many locations with 24x7 tight security and the CCTV surveillance to ensure the safety of EVMs and VVPAT machines,” he added.

Handa commended all police officials, who had worked tirelessly for ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections across the constituency. The EVMs kept in strong rooms in the constituency will be opened on May 23 for counting.