Thaindian News

Kolkata, May 5 (IANS) Two helicopters began aerial surveillance in remote areas of the three Maoist-affected districts of West Bengal Thursday as part of the Election Commission’s (EC) security arrangements for the fifth and sixth phases of state assembly polls, an official said.

“Two helicopters have been deployed Thursday for surveillance in dense forest areas and remote inaccessible corners of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia,” state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sunil Kumar Gupta said.

“Special security interventions have been made for the fifth and sixth phases of the elections as most of the constituencies are spread over these three districts,” he said.

Thirtyeight constituencies spread over the three districts and parts of Burdwan will go to polls Saturday (May 7). Fourteen other constituencies will hold the voting May 10.

“None of the constituencies in the fifth phase is identified as Maoist-affected. But we have made special security arrangements well in advance for the May 10 round, when the polling will be held in 14 Maoist-affected constituencies,” said Gupta.

One more chopper will be deployed before the sixth phase, he added.

“The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Maharashtra, Debashish Chakraborty, who has been appointed special observer for the fifth and sixth phase polls, has arrived here today (Thursday),” said Gupta.

“Security will be more than expected. Around 550-600 companies of central paramilitary forces will be deployed during fifth phase, while 617 companies of such forces will be deployed during the sixth phase,” deputy CEO Saibal Burman said.