Patna: Ahead of the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled across 121 constituencies in 18 districts, authorities have put in place tight security measures, including the deployment of armed forces at every polling booth.
A total of approximately 450,000 security personnel have been mobilised for the elections, including 1,500 companies of central forces. Bihar Police, Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP), the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Home Guards have also been deployed to maintain order. In addition, 60,000 Bihar Police personnel, 30,000 BSAP members, over 20,000 Home Guards, and around 19,000 trainee constables have been tasked with election duty. Rural areas will see the deployment of roughly 150,000 watchmen.
To prevent any law-and-order issues, the borders of all districts, including the international border with Nepal, have been sealed. A mounted police force has been stationed in the Diara region, a sensitive floodplain area.
Authorities have also created a VIP security pool in each district, comprising police personnel and commandos trained by the National Security Guard (NSG). A Quick Response Team (QRT), including members of the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Special Task Force (STF), has been formed to respond to emergencies, security breaches, or other critical incidents during the elections.
Increased vigilance has been ordered along the borders with neighbouring states West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. Police are sharing lists of anti-social elements and criminals with counterparts across state lines, while checkpoints and blockades have been established to curb the illegal movement of liquor, cash, and other contraband. Special attention is being given to left-wing extremists, particularly along the Jharkhand border, where authorities have instructed enhanced monitoring of all movement.
