Over 1,000 security personnel, including state police and paramilitary forces, will guard the capital when counting of votes is taken up on Thursday for the Ranchi parliamentary seat at Pandra market counting centre on the western fringe of the state capital.
Traffic is unlikely to be affected in the city as Pandra market is on the fringe. Movement of heavy vehicles on the road connecting Piska More and Ratu will be restricted to enable cars transporting officials and politicians to ply freely. A large number of traffic policemen will be on the road to ensure there are no snarls.
As for security, some of the personnel would be deputed at offices and residences of prominent candidates, some will deputed in sensitive localities and some at offices of various political parties.
SSP Anish Gupta said policemen in plainclothes will also be deputed.
“We will take special care when victory processions are taken out. We expect the winning party to take prior permission from the district administration before taking out a procession in the interest of the people and to ensure law and order is maintained,” he said.
SSP Gupta shared details of a three-tier system of security that will be in place at Pandra market from morning. Counting begins at 8am, but those involved in the counting have been asked to report by 6am.
“The first tier of security is in the hand of district police, who will cover the market and adjacent areas. Second tier security has been assigned to Jharkhand Armed Police, who will be positioned 200m from counting centre. The third tier has been assigned to CRPF. A control room has been established for proper co-ordination,” he said.
Heavy vehicles
As for traffic, Gupta said Pandra Market would remain closed, hence there will be less traffic. “Movement of heavy vehicles on the road connecting Piska More with Ratu will remain restricted. Designated parking spaces have been created for counting agents and officials at the market. There will sufficient number of traffic personnel to oversee traffic movement,” he said.
Coal belt counting
In Dhanbad, counting will be held at Krishi Bazar Samiti, Barwaddah. While deputy development commissioner Sha-shi Ranjan and city SP Piyush Pandey are in-charge of the counting centre, district welfare officer Dayanand Dubey and DSP (law and order) Mu-kesh Kumar have been as-ked to oversee security aspects.
“Security arrangements at the counting center have been handed over to the 154 CRPF battalion. Also, magistrates, police men and women have also been deputed at the counting center. Two fire tenders will be present. All officials have been asked to reach the counting center by 5.30am,” said deputy commissioner Anajaneyulu Dodde
Traffic curbs
Traffic will be restricted from Dhanbad’s Memco More Chowk to Nirankari Chowk during counting on Thursday. Those heading to NH-2 will have to go from Memco More to Birsa Chowk through Nirankari Chowk. Alternatively, commuters could also go from Memco More to Gol Building Chowk to reach NH-2.