342 cops deployed for counting day

Panchkula: Panchkula police have put in place multi-layered security arrangements for the municipal corporation vote counting on May 13 at Govt Girls Postgraduate College, Sector 14.

A total of 342 police personnel will be deployed in and around the counting centre, along with additional checkpoints to ensure smooth and secure proceedings. Senior officers reviewed the arrangements Tuesday and issued directions to field staff.

Three special checkpoints have been set up near the venue for continuous checking. Restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, will remain in force during the counting.

Entry within a 500-metre radius of the centre will be restricted. Only authorised persons — including officials on election duty, police personnel, contesting candidates, counting agents and accredited media — will be allowed entry on valid ID.

Police said carrying weapons, mobile phones, walkie-talkies and other electronic gadgets inside the counting centre is strictly prohibited, and violators will face action.

Officials have urged residents to maintain peace and avoid spreading rumours, adding that adequate arrangements are in place to prevent any untoward incident during counting and declaration of results.