Bhubaneswar, April 25: Ahead of four phase Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in the state, Odisha police has demanded Centre to provide three helicopters for smooth conduct of elections in Maoist-dominated areas.

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“The Odisha police is fully prepared to avoid any Maoist activities during the general elections in the state,” said DGP Arun Sarangi. There is need of helicopters for patrolling in Malkangiri, Koraput, Nuapada, Kandhamal and other Maoist affected areas. The Odisha police has demanded Centre three helicopters including an air ambulance. Besides, the DGP has written for 140 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). 

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The Centre has provided 75 CAPFs till now. As many as 35 platoons of CRPF, 35 platoons of BSF and five platoons of CISF have been deployed at various places across the state going to polls in the first phase on May 13. Later, they will be deployed for areas going to polls in the second phase. Besides, no polling booths will be merged in areas affected by Left-wing extremism (LWE) and voters do not have to travel long distances to exercise their franchise, said police. Adequate security personnel will be deployed to avoid any untoward incidents. 

In previous elections, polling booths were merged and located near camps of CAPFs to shield them from Maoist attacks. “However, this time we are prepared and will ensure elections are held in a free, transparent and incident-free manner,” said ADG Law and Order, Sanjay Kumar.