Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Apr 16: As many as 149 excise law violation cases have been filed in Dakshina Kannada district since the enforcement of model code of conduct, said deputy commissioner Sasikant Senthil.
Addressing a press meet here, the DC said, "We have deployed five flying squads, 33 static surveillance teams, five excise teams, and 24 video surveillance teams in the district. Rs 5,90,000 in cash has been seized so far, out of which Rs 2,90,000 was returned after verification. So the total seizure of unaccounted cash is Rs 3 lac.
"The excise teams have seized 793 litres of liquor, and police teams have seized 54 litres. A total of 149 cases of excise violation have been registered. As many as 4,560 banners, flexes and shawls have been seized by static surveillance teams, and 9 banners, 1 flex, five bundles of BJP shawls have been seized by flying squads. The police have also confiscated two pistols and 3 deadly weapons," he said.
As many as 71 complaints of poll code violation were received, out of which 68 have already been disposed off, and only three are pending. Highest number of cases (16) were reported from Mangaluru South and Bantwal.
The police have registered 12 cases pertaining to election expenditure, and 79 cases related to bribe/gratification.
The DC also informed that 46,981 new voters have been included this time. There were 5,305 applications for deletion from voters' list, and 846 applications for changes and the same number for transfers.
"Polling will be held on May 12 from 7 am to 5 pm. This time we want to conduct the elections in a celebratory way with the concept of women empowerment, for which we have 20 women-friendly pink booths in 8 constituencies in the district, as well as five ethnic booths in Beltangady, Moodbidiri, Mangaluru North, Puttur and Sullia. Along with this, model booths will be set up based on the civil structure," he said.
"There are 10,300 physically challenged voters who need special requirements of transportation, companions etc. We have mapped their requirements in all the booths of the district. Discussions are also on for arranging transportation facilities in hamlets especially in areas like Sullia and Beltangady where there are more interior places," he added.
Regarding filing of nominations, he said, "There are a lot of instructions regarding nomination under the model code of conduct. During the filing of nomination, the candidate is not supposed to come with a large number of supporters. Only three vehicles are allowed inside the premises, and only five people including the candidate are allowed inside the nomination office. The DySP will man the gate.
"The nomination process starts on April 17 and the last date is April 24. Nominations will be scrutinized on April 25, and April 27 is the last date for withdrawal of nomination," he added.