48,000 security personnel for 6 Bihar LS seats

Over 48,000 security personnel would adopt ‘shock and awe’ tactics to thwart any disruptive plan by the Maoists during polling in six Parliamentary constituencies in Maoist-hit areas of Bihar on April 10.

“The forces comprising 165 companies of central paramilitary forces of 108 combatants each, and over 30,000 policemen will resort to shock and awe tactics to prevent disruption of polls in Sasaram, Karakat, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Jamui,” Inspector-General of police (Operations) Amit Kumar said here.

“We have received 130 companies of CPMF for the elections in addition to 35 at the State’s disposal,” the I-G said.

“If needed, we may pull in 6,000 to 8,000 more policemen to ensure smooth polls during the first phase.”

Mr. Kumar said the forces would be deployed in the six constituencies a week before the poll date.

Helicopters too

Army helicopters would scour forest areas, a favourite sanctuary of the outlaws, he said.