SEC swings into instant action

CHENNAI: The State Election Commission on Friday welcomed the verdict of the Madras High Court directing that polling in all booths of Chennai Corporation should be videographed and adequate security arrangements should be put in place.During the meeting of top police officials of the State held at the SEC headquarters here, State Election Commissioner S Ayyar told the officials that the directions of the HC should be fully adhered to. Though only 1,085 polling booths have been identified as sensitive in the city, all 4,877 booths should be treated sensitive and necessary arrangements should be made to beef up security for them, the SEC said.On videotaping the polling in all booths, the SEC summoned IT Secretary Santhosh Babu and ELCOT chief Atul Anand and held discussions to fulfil the same. He also directed that only police personnel should be deputy for duty where violent incidents took place during 2006 local body elections.Since there are chances for anti-social elements in certain districts to migrate to other parts, the police should identify those who were involved in the violent incidents in 2006 local body elections and take preventive steps, the SEC said and added that the criminals who have not been arrested despite court warrant should be arrested immediately.Police officials informed the SEC that steps would be taken to prevent transport of liquor from other States. Meanwhile, the SEC has convened the second meeting of the Election Observers to review the ongoing arrangements.