A thick security blanket has been thrown around Pipili as the constituency goes for by-poll on Thursday.
According to a notification issued by the Odisha Police State Headquarters, 25 platoons of police forces along with three companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed in Pipili to maintain law and order situation during the polling.
The forces will be supervised by 35 senior officers in the rank of SP, Additional SP, DSP and Inspectors.
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Moreover, 163 Sis, DSIs, Dy Subedars, ASTs, HMs and 736 Havildars, Constables, APRs and HGs have been deployed in the constituency.
The total 348 polling booths have been divided into four zones and those will be supervised by three Additional SPs and assisted by four Dy. SPs, the notification read.
30 officers in the rank of Sis and ASIs along with 30 Section of force have been pressed into service at 10 check posts and six Sis and ASIs with 15 section of force deployed as quick reaction team (QRT) under Pipili, Delanga, Balanga and Satyabadi police station areas. 32 Mobile Parties have been deployed under the mentioned PS areas.
Similarly, six flying squad or Static Surveillance Teams have been formed for proper monitoring with a view to ensure free and fair bi-election.
Notably, there are 201 sensitive (critical) polling stations in the constituency, where the central armed police force, micro observers, and webcasting are being done.
Over 2.29 lakh voters will exercise their franchise at 348 booths in the constituency between 7 am and 6 pm with strict adherence to Covid-19 guidelines.
The by-election to the Pipili assembly constituency was necessitated following the death of sitting MLA Pradeep Maharathy in October last year. The votes will be counted on October 3.