Tight security across Kerala as vote counting nears; Section 144 in Kozhikode

Thrissur/Kozhikode: Kerala has reinforced security arrangements ahead of the Assembly election vote counting on May 4, with heightened surveillance across the state and prohibitory orders in Kozhikode following recent incidents of political violence. 

State Police Chief Ravada V Chandrasekhar on Saturday said comprehensive measures are in place to ensure a peaceful counting process. Speaking in Thrissur, he said police deployment has been scaled up across Kerala.

"We are taking more preventive measures. As part of it, CCTV and drone surveillance activities have been enhanced. The entire police force has been mobilised for security purposes," he said.

Counting centres will be secured by central forces. "We have deployed 25 companies of central forces to guard counting centres. Outer cordon and perimeter security will be handled by the Kerala Police. Apart from the counting centres, arrangements have been made for the security of other places as well," he said.

On areas prone to post-result tensions, Chandrasekhar said police teams are on standby. "We have readied police officers for the purpose. Strict action will be taken if anyone is found causing law and order issues. We have given instructions in this regard," he said. Border areas are also under intensified patrolling and surveillance.

Polling for all 140 Assembly seats was held on April 9, with results due on May 4.

Section 144 in Kozhikode; curbs on gatherings and celebrations

Kozhikode district will be placed under prohibitory orders on counting day, District Collector and District Election Officer Snehil Kumar Singh said. The restrictions follow recent instances of political violence in parts of the district.

Section 144 will be enforced across Kozhikode, with limits on public gatherings, demonstrations and victory processions. The sale of firecrackers will also be restricted for the day.

“Section 144 will be applicable everywhere. Unnecessary gatherings will not be allowed, and the sale of firecrackers will be restricted on the counting day,” he said.

The Collector said police have been instructed to act firmly against any incidents linked to post-result celebrations. Candidates may hold victory events only with prior permission from the Station House Officers, and such programmes must be confined to designated venues.

Strong room row addressed; officials not to be replaced

Addressing concerns over strong rooms in Kozhikode, the Collector said no violations have been detected. Strong rooms remain sealed and voting machines are secure.

Complaints regarding the use of electronic devices, including laptops, near strong rooms were examined, with no irregularities found.

The Chief Electoral Officer has decided against replacing the returning officers in Perambra and Koyilandy after reviewing statements, including that of DCC president K. Praveenkumar. Requests for their removal have been rejected, and no further action will be taken.

The district administration said the Koyilandy returning officer’s visit near a strong room was part of routine inspection and did not breach norms. Authorities reiterated that transparency in the election process will be maintained.