Pics: Franklin D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Apr 8: With the announcement of the schedule for the assembly elections, the district administration and police department have beefed up the security measures and strengthened the checkposts in the district.
As many as 17 checkposts have been set up in the district and surprise checking of vehicles is also being carried out by the district police department.
Speaking about the security measures undertaken by the Udupi district police, district superintendent of police (SP) Hakay Akshay Machhindra said, “We have conducted a surprise operation also in which we have checked godowns and large warehouses. A thorough checking has been carried out for large quantities of materials, stockings and unaccounted materials. Our operations will be continued on a regular basis. Through the social media monitoring cell situated at the SP office, we will also keep an eye over the social media content. You cannot write anything and everything by securing permission from an election officer in the name of campaigning. Interests of religion, caste and language should also not be a tool for election campaigns. We will monitor all these legal frameworks from our end and strict action will be initiated against the violators.”
As much as Rs 48.5 lac of unaccounted cash and 6,000 litres of illicit liquor and 26 tons of rice bags have been seized in the district till now. Checkposts have been set up in Shiroor, Kollur, Hosangadi of Byndoor assembly constituency, Halady – Kandlur – Thekkatte of Kundapura constituency, Nejar – Balaipade Udyavar – Alevoor of Udupi constituency, Katapady – Hejamady – Moodubelle – Anjar of Kaup constituency and Nadpalu – Someshwara – Sanur – Murathangadi – Edu – Hosmaru and Belman.
Most of the cars, two-wheelers, and commercial vehicles have been thoroughly checked by the police personnel. Any suspicious behaviour by the motorists is being immediately noticed and necessary action is being taken. Vehicle number, owner and driver details are also reported in a log book for any future references. The checkposts are equipped with CCTV cameras as well to record the movement of the vehicles.
Deputy commissioner Kurma Rao and SP Akshay Machhindra are constantly conducting surprise visits and checks at the checkposts and are ensuring its thorough functioning. In the coming days, CRPF personnel will also be deployed at the checkposts.