Additional security for Maoist-hit areas in Bengal: EC

The Election Commission has put in place additional security measures to ensure a "free and fair" poll process in Maoist-hit areas of West Bengal where voting will take place on Monday, an official said.

On Monday, 18 constituencies in western districts -- nine in Purulia, three in Bankura and six in West Midnapore -- would go to the polls. In the 13 Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected constituencies, polling will end two hours early at 4 p.m.

"Two helicopters are already conducting sorties in the poll bound areas and we have also made arrangements for air ambulance," additional chief electoral officer Dibyendu Sarkar told the media here on Sunday.

Considering the remote areas in Purulia, as many as 107 polling parties have already been placed in 21 temporary shelters in four assembly constituencies in the district.

"We are confident of conducting a free and fair poll," said Sarkar.