In Malerkotla, round-the-clock patrolling ahead of MC bypoll

The police have made adequate security arrangements at three polling stations established at SA Jain High School for Boys where bypoll is scheduled for Ward number 18 on December 21.

To prevent any untoward incident, six special nakas have been set up, besides round-the-clock patrolling in the region.

The surveillance has been intensified following instructions by the District Election Officer-cum-Malerkotla DC Pallavi during a meeting held to review arrangements.

Pallavi said all possible arrangements should be made to ensure impartial and transparent conduct of bypoll so that eligible voters can use their right to vote without any coercion and allurement.

“Keeping in view the sensitive nature of the polling booth, extra arrangements should be made to make residents feel safe and secure,” Pallavi advised police personnel during the meeting.

The DC said SDM Harbans Singh had been asked to ensure adequate arrangements at the polling booths.

While authorities at the Malerkotla Municipal Council were advised to ensure cleanliness, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited personnel were directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply on December 21.

DSP (Special) Ranjit Singh Bains said proactive measures had been taken to ensure smooth polling. “Besides setting up six special nakas, patrolling has been enhanced at all sensitive localities,” said Bains.

ADC Sukhpreet Singh Sidhu and Assistant Commissioner Gurmit Bansal were also present in the meeting.