Chennai is set to witness one of its most extensive security deployments as votes for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are counted on May 4. Police Commissioner Abin Dinesh Modak confirmed that around 22,000 police personnel will be stationed across the city to maintain law and order during the crucial day.

Polling for the Assembly elections was held on April 23, and following the completion of voting, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) from the 16 Assembly constituencies under Chennai Metropolitan Police jurisdiction were transported under tight security. Armed police teams ensured their safe transfer to three designated counting centres – Queen Mary’s College, Loyola College, and Anna University.

Authorities have assured that the EVMs remain under constant surveillance, with round-the-clock protection in place. To safeguard the integrity of the counting process, elaborate four-tier security arrangements have been established at all three centres. Senior officers, including Additional Commissioners, Joint Commissioners, and Deputy Commissioners, are overseeing the measures to ensure strict compliance with protocols.

Entry into the counting premises has been tightly regulated, with only authorised personnel carrying valid identification allowed access. Police officials confirmed that security personnel will be deployed in shifts to guarantee uninterrupted monitoring throughout the day.

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Beyond the counting centres, security will also be reinforced across key locations in the Chennai Metropolitan area to prevent any untoward incidents. The deployment will include officers of various ranks, from Inspectors to Assistant Commissioners, along with personnel from the Special Police, Armed Police, and Central Armed Police Forces.

Police sources highlighted that the arrangements are designed to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and incident-free counting process. Adequate measures for crowd control and rapid response have been put in place, reflecting the administration’s commitment to maintaining order during this critical phase of the elections.

With the city under heightened vigilance, the extensive deployment underscores the importance of ensuring that the counting of votes is conducted smoothly, securely, and without disruption.