Thrissur

Ravada V Chandrasekhar on Saturday said elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across Kerala ahead of the Assembly election vote counting scheduled for May 4.

Speaking to reporters in Thrissur on the sidelines of a police sub-inspectors’ passing-out parade, Chandrasekhar said security personnel have been deployed statewide to ensure peaceful counting and prevent any untoward incidents.

He said the police have intensified preventive measures, including expanded CCTV coverage and drone-based surveillance.

“The entire police force has been mobilised for security duties,” the state police chief said.

According to him, counting centres across the state will be protected by 25 companies of central security forces, while the Kerala Police will manage outer cordon and perimeter security.

He added that security arrangements are not limited to counting centres alone, and vulnerable locations across the state are also under heightened watch.

Addressing concerns over politically sensitive areas where post-election clashes have been reported in the past, Chandrasekhar said dedicated teams of police officers have been kept on standby to deal with any law-and-order situation.

He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt peace or create disturbances after the results.

The police chief also said patrolling and surveillance activities have been stepped up in border regions as an additional precaution.

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Polling for Kerala’s 140-member Assembly was held on April 9, while counting of votes and declaration of results will take place on May 4.