Baripada: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s election campaign visit to Chhau Padia in this town Wednesday, a mock drill was conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Reserve Police Ground here in Mayurbhanj district, Tuesday. A team of senior military officers arrived at the Baripada Reserve Police Ground in a separate helicopter at 8 am Tuesday to assess the situation. They discussed the security arrangements and the management of Modi’s convoy with district administration and police officials. For security purposes, 25 platoons of police force have been deployed with senior police officials in charge at each venue. Over 50 police officers including ASPs, DSPs, inspectors, and ASIs have been assigned duties. With the final phase of elections scheduled for June 1, heavyweights are continuing their marathon campaigns. Extensive preparations are being made by the party for Modi’s visit to President Droupadi Murmu’s hometown.
Arrangements have been made for an estimated gathering of one lakh people. PM Modi will address the Vijay Sankalp Rally at 12:30 pm Wednesday, seeking blessings from the public for votes. The district administration and police have made comprehensive arrangements for the visit. SP S Susree held a detailed discussion on security arrangements with the senior officials in a meeting. Air force officers inspected the helipad thoroughly, using metal detectors, sniffer dogs, and a bomb squad. They even found and removed a bicycle left behind during the helipad’s construction. After separately inspecting the three helipads at the venue, they submitted their report. Following the helicopter’s arrival Tuesday morning, officials inspected the ground and discussed the arrangements with police officers. Strict measures have been taken to ensure there are no lapses in security.
