The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Police seize gifts stored for voters

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 11, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Police seize gifts stored for voters

Special Correspondent

3,000 wristwatches, 1,100 saris and lorry-loads of tiles

Steps taken to curb inflow of liquor from other States
225 companies of Central police forces for State

BANGALORE: In a crackdown on illegal storage of goods kept for distribution during the election campaign, the State police have seized 165 boxes containing 3,000 wristwatches in Chickballapur, 1,100 saris in Ramanagara and lorry-loads of tiles in Mangalore. The police have registered criminal complaints against the accused for violation of the model code of conduct, State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) M.N. Vidyashankar, told journalists here on Thursday.

The seizures were made on the directions of the electoral officers concerned. Several minor cases of violation of the model coded of conduct were reported from different places and action had been taken. All Returning Officers had been directed to strictly implement the model code to ensure free and fair elections, he said.

A statue of a leader was unveiled in the jurisdiction of the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation after the model code of conduct came into force. The matter had been reported to the Election Commission for suitable action against the people concerned, he said.

Curbs on liquor flow

To check the illegal inflow of liquor from neighbouring States, Mr. Vidyashankar said the State’s borders had been sealed from Wednesday, and the Deputy Commissioners concerned had been asked to step up vigilance to check the transportation of liquor. They had been instructed to take steps to prevent illegal inter-State and intra-State liquor transportation during the election campaign and on polling day. Generally, huge quantities of liquor were brought in from Goa on account of lower prices in that State, he said.

Superintendents of Police in the border districts would hold a meeting to strengthen vigilance and check the transportation of liquor. Similarly, the State’s Director-General and Inspector-General of Police would hold a meeting in Bangalore with his counterparts from neighbouring States. A high-level meeting of Home Secretaries of Karnataka and the neighbouring States would be held in New Delhi, said Mr. Vidyashankar and R. Ramaseshan, Officer on Special Duty in the Election Department.

To ensure security in each of the polling booths, 225 companies of Central police forces will be deployed for each phase of the Assembly elections. The elections will be held on May 10, 16 and 22.

Strict vigil

The Election Commission would also monitor the use of vehicles by political parties and their candidates and the use of posters, banners and buntings for campaigning to ensure compliance with the directions issued by the commission, he said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka