Sibin C, Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), revealed on Friday that vulnerability mapping ahead of the Lok Sabha polls is currently underway, with approximately 5,000 Polling Booths Identified as vulnerable.

Sibin stated to ANI, “Vulnerability mapping is ongoing, and approximately 5,000 polling booths have been flagged as vulnerable. Critical polling stations are being pinpointed and will be finalized closer to the election date.”

“Following the Election Commission’s guidelines, all necessary preparations on our part have been completed. With approximately 24,000 booths, we have requested CAPF personnel, and 25 companies have already arrived, with their deployment underway. The state boasts around 2.12 crore voters, and significant recoveries, including drugs, liquor, and cash, amounting to around Rs 150 crores, have been made,” he added.

The Lok Sabha Elections in Punjab are scheduled to take place in a single phase on June 1, 2024, with voting set for 13 Lok Sabha seats.

Earlier in the week, the Election Commission of India (ECI) instructed all Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Commissioner of Police (CPs), and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) in Punjab to intensify their efforts to curb the smuggling of drugs, liquor, and cash into the state in light of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024.

The ECI team also emphasized the need for ensuring adequate arrangements for central forces deployed for security duty during polling.

Comprehensive information was requested from all districts regarding seizures of liquor and drugs after the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct. Additionally, details were sought regarding steps taken by various districts to enhance voter turnout, arrangements for webcasting, and preparations at polling stations. Furthermore, the ECI team shared essential suggestions and information concerning the election process with all DCs, CPs, and SSPs.