Drones to keep watch on ‘critical’ poll booths

NOIDA: To ensure free and fair recording of the voting process, drone cameras, additional force, micro observers etc. will be used at 471 polling booths identified as critical by the Election Commission. Selected out of the 159 polling stations across Noida, Jewar and Dadri, these locations have been classified as critical on the basis of poor turnouts, vulnerability, presence of anti-social elements in the neighbourhood, etc.
Gautam Budh Nagar SSP Vaibhav Krishna said the Election Commission and police have conducted a study regarding vulnerability at these booths. “We are taking all preventive measures to neutralise threats and encourage people to vote in large numbers. Additional troops and CRPF personnel will be deployed at these locations,” he said.

District magistrate B N Singh said since the enforcement of the model code of conduct, police have launched a crackdown on anti-social elements and booked around 150 people under Section 151 (knowingly joining or continuing in assembly after it has been commanded to disperse) of the IPC. “We have also booked 12 persons under the Gangsters Act. Police have launched an enforcement drive and seized illegal weapons from several criminals,” he said.

The officials said that there will also be vigilance on social media platforms. “We have observed that at the time of the election, some people circulate fake or unverified news. Mostly they are anti-social elements and they try to create nuisance. Some people do this deliberately while some do due to ignorance. Any irresponsible and derogatory comment on the social media can land a person behind the bars,” the SSP added.