Panchkula Civic Polls Under Tight Security: 1,200 Personnel Deployed, Police Commissioner Reviews Arrangements

High Alert Ahead of Panchkula MC Elections: Body Cameras, SWAT Teams and Border Checks Intensified

Massive Security Cover for Panchkula Elections, Crackdown on Drugs and Illegal Arms Intensifies

Panchkula Civic Polls Under Tight Security; 1,200 Personnel to Oversee Voting

Dr Kamlesh Kali

Panchkula, May 4: Ahead of the Municipal Corporation elections scheduled for May 10, Panchkula Police has put in place an extensive security plan to ensure free, fair and peaceful polling. A high-level review meeting was held at the Police Commissioner’s office in Sector-4 under the chairmanship of Police Commissioner (ADGP) Shivas Kabiraj, where detailed instructions were issued to maintain law and order during the electoral process.

1,200 Personnel, SWAT Teams to Guard Polling Booths

The Police Commissioner informed that around 1,200 police personnel will be deployed across the district. Voting will take place at 204 booths spread over 85 locations. Of these, 36 booths at 21 locations have been identified as sensitive and 59 booths at 21 locations as highly sensitive. Additional police force, women personnel and SWAT commandos will be stationed at these locations. Tear gas teams will also remain on standby to handle any untoward situation.

Advanced Surveillance with Body Cameras and Patrol Units

To strengthen monitoring, 55 body cameras will be used during the elections. As many as 12 patrolling teams will remain active, supported by emergency response vehicles, rider units and PCR vans. Five inter-state border check posts have been placed under 24-hour surveillance, while 20 additional checkpoints will be set up 48 hours before polling.

Crackdown on Drugs and Illegal Arms

Since the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, police teams have intensified action against illegal activities. Seizures include 538 grams of heroin, 1.154 kg of charas, 607 grams of opium, over 18 kg of poppy husk and 180 cartons of illicit liquor. Additionally, eight illegal country-made pistols and 12 live cartridges have been recovered. Police have directed all field units to adopt a zero-tolerance approach against drug trafficking and unlawful elements.

Strict Enforcement of Model Code

Efforts to prevent misuse of weapons have been accelerated under Section 163, with authorities expediting the process of depositing licensed arms. Police officials have emphasized strict compliance with the Model Code of Conduct at every polling station.

Commitment to Free and Fair Elections

Senior officers, including DCP Srishti Gupta and DCP Amarinder Singh, attended the meeting along with ACPs, SHOs and other officials. The Police Commissioner reiterated that the Panchkula Police is fully committed to ensuring a transparent and peaceful election process, and any attempt to disrupt the democratic exercise will be dealt with firmly.