In a scenario reminiscent from the movie “Newton,” where actor Rajkumar Rao`s character is dispatched to oversee elections in a sensitive Maoist-affected area, over 460 polling officials have been airdropped into “sensitive” and “hypersensitive” booths in Maharashtra`s Gadchiroli-Chimur Lok Sabha seat in Vidarbha region ahead of the first phase of polling on April 19. Election officials and state police have intensified security measures in Maoist-affected Gadchiroli, mobilizing 15,000 personnel for action.

Gadchiroli police informed mid-day that security measures have been bolstered by 30-40% compared to the previous elections in the region, known for its high number of sensitive and hypersensitive polling booths. Unprecedented security arrangements include aerial surveillance by helicopters and real-time drone monitoring.