Security arrangements are fully set for tomorrow’s first-phase Panchayat elections - DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy!

The Director General of Police of Telangana, B. Shivadhar Reddy, announced that all security arrangements are in place for the first phase of the Gram Panchayat elections scheduled for tomorrow. Excluding Hyderabad, polling will be conducted in over 3,800 village panchayats, covering nearly 37,000 wards across the state. To ensure transparent monitoring of the election process, webcasting has been arranged in more than 3,000 panchayats, enabling live surveillance. The DGP stated that extensive security measures have been taken statewide, deploying civil police, armed reserve forces, Telangana State Special Police (TSSP), and personnel working on deputation. Polling stations have been classified as sensitive and normal, with security forces deployed accordingly. Complete security has also been arranged at counting centres, where vote counting will begin immediately after polling concludes.

The DGP further revealed that enforcement teams have seized ₹8.20 crore worth of cash, liquor, narcotics, and other inducements so far, as part of implementing election guidelines. A total of 229 FIRs have been registered for violations, and 1,053 non-bailable warrants have been executed. All licensed weapons belonging to individuals falling under election security norms have been deposited. To curb illegal transportation, 54 inter-state check-posts have been set up along the borders with Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, with continuous surveillance in place. Additionally, 537 flying squads and 155 static surveillance teams are actively enforcing the election code of conduct across the state.