Imphal, January 30: Informing that the inquiry report of the District Election Officer in connection with the news photo which showed the Chief Minister extending his hand with a few notes in his hand to an elderly man at Thoubal has been submitted to the Election Commission of India, Chief electoral Officer RR Rashmi today conveyed that police commandos would not be detailed for poll duty.

Disclosing the development to media persons at DIPR office, the CEO stated that based on the news photo of the CM handing over money at Thoubal AC and on complaints put forth by numerous political organisations alleging the CM�s conduct indicates attempt to buy votes, an inquiry was conducted by the District Election Officer, Thoubal and the report has been subsequently forwarded to the Election Commission of India.

The dEO is informed to have personally approached/interviewed the elderly person who answered that the money was given for a religious offering.

What sort of action, if any, the ECI would recommend against the CM is being awaited, Rashmi expressed.

In may be recalled that a similar reply from O Ibobi has already been placed before the election Commission.

On the role laid down for police commandos on polling days, the CEO affirmed that with the exception of law and order duty, no commando personnel would be engaged in election-related assignments including accompanying Ministers or department officials within specified jurisdictions of a polling station.

Deployment of security personnel for election duty would be adequate, Rashmi assured while reminding that a Supreme Court decree had prohibited utilisation of even Home Guards as polling officials.

Government employees would be trained for the purpose, he added.

Sharing more details on security arrangement for the ensuing elections to the 9th State Legislative Assembly, the CEO stated that in some distant and isolated polling stations number of Central para-military force may be increased to three section if the need arises to ensure peaceful, free and fair polling.

While conceding that no specific measure had been initiated till date to entertain casting of votes by the displaced electorates of Khengjoi areas at alternative venues, the CEO contended that no official report, other than news paper reports, have been received of candidates belonging both to National and regional parties facing difficulties during campaigns in the hill areas.

Stating that vehicle hiring charges for poll-related duties have been put in place, the CEO said decisions had been taken to exempt Government employees (officials) bound for the Guwahati National Games even though there is no special arrangement to enable the players cast their votes.