Thousands of police personnel working under the Chennai Police Commissionerate have reportedly been unable to cast their postal votes, citing a lack of effective arrangements to ensure ballots reached them.
Around 30,000 personnel serve across law and order, crime, and traffic wings in the city. A few weeks ago, then Commissioner Arun had said steps were being taken so that police staff would not miss voting through postal ballots, unlike during the previous election.
However, many personnel said the problem persisted this time as well. They claimed that despite submitting applications in advance, postal ballots were not delivered to them, and they were also not granted leave.
A sub-inspector said the situation prevented them from travelling to their native places to vote, and even their family members were affected. He urged authorities to ensure postal ballots for personnel posted in Chennai from other districts, and suggested increasing public transport on polling day so those living within 100–150 km could travel to vote.
