Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Mar 30: With the announcement of election date in Karnataka, police have begun extensive checking of vehicles in all the roads of the twin-districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Police are now seen stopping and searching vehicles for materials which might violate election code of conduct and those connected with electoral malpractice.

Udupi district superintendent of police, Laxman Nimbargi, said that his department began detailed checking of vehicles since the election was announced. He said that the police operation will mainly be against money trafficking and liquor transportation through vehicles. He said that this operation will drastically reduce instances of chain snatching, illegal cattle trafficking etc.

Even ambulances are not spared

Nimbargi has advised people to preserve with them documents pertaining to their vehicle and themselves and show them to the police during checking. He said that the revenue officials will also work hand-in-hand with the police in this task and that the operation will continue till the election is held and results are declared. He reiterated that the intention of his department is to ensure smooth election, and asked people to cooperate with the police involved with checking.

Instead of confining them to offices as in the past, top officials have directly entered the operations now, as a result of which checking has been going on at a brisk pace in all the roads in the coast. The verification is especially intense on the state's border with other states like Talapady. The officials also want to keep a watch on ambulances, sensing that they too can be made use of for illegal activities.