Hyderabad police imposes section 144, bans crackers, shuts liquor shops for vote counting

HYDERABAD: Liquor shops in the twin cities will remain closed from June 4, 6 a.m. to June 5, 6 a.m. for vote counting, announced Hyderabad Police Commissioner Kota Srinivas Reddy.

Commissioner of Police K. Sreenivasa Reddy has ordered the closure of all liquor shops and establishments serving liquor in Hyderabad and Secunderabad from 6 a.m. on June 4, 2024, to 6 a.m. on June 5, 2024. This measure aims to maintain public peace during the vote counting for the 2024 General Elections and the Secunderabad Cantonment AC Bye-Election in the twin cities.

Hyderabad police commissioner K. Sreenivasa Reddy, invoking Section 144 Cr.P.C and Sections 22 (1) (d) to (f) and 22 (2) (a) to (e) and 22 (3) of Hyderabad City Police Act 1348 Fasli (No.IX), has imposed restrictions to maintain public order during the vote counting process. Prohibitions include assembly of more than five people within 200 meters of counting centers, carrying of weapons, erection of temporary structures, use of public address systems, and collection of stones or other projectiles.

The public is notified that bursting or throwing firecrackers on public roads and places during the vote counting for the 2024 General Elections and the Secunderabad Cantonment AC Bye-Election in Hyderabad and Secunderabad is strictly prohibited. Violators will face prosecution. This restriction will be enforced from 6 a.m. on June 4, 2024, to 6 p.m. on June 5, 2024.

Kota Srinivas Reddy said that the police have been instructed to take strict action against those who violate the rules.

He also urged leaders to ensure a smooth counting process and requested the public's cooperation during this time.