Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, May 11: "The district police department is all set to ensure the smooth conduct of the state assembly election. There are 1,103 polling booths in the district; out of which 226 are sensitive, 877 normal booths and ten pink booths for women," said SP Laxman Nimbargi in a press meet here on Thursday, May 10.

"The police department is working from the last three to four months for the smooth and peaceful election. More than 2,500 police personnel have been deployed on election duty. Sixteen central paramilitary force, KSP, one SP, one ASP, six DySP, 15 inspectors, 32 PSI, 140 ASIs and ramp officers, 140 constables and home guards have been deployed on election duty.

"There are nine flying squads in each constituency, 13 checkposts and CCTV have been installed. There are 225 critical polling booths where micro observers have been deployed to monitor.

"From January to May 2018, 2232 security-related cases have been filed on rowdy, communal, gundas, repeated and habitual offenders. From February to May, 4,818 NBWs (non-bailable warrants) have been served out of which 4,300 cases have been executed and presented at the court.

"A total of 3858 arms have been issued in the district and 3835 have been deposited. 23 weapons are exempted," he added.

"As many as 40,06, 800 cases regarding motor vehicles have been filed against violation of road rules under Motor vehicles act.

"A total of 38 cases against MCC have been recorded for the code of Conduct violation- Indian IPC 29 cases, IPC three cases, one case under representation of people act and five excise cases.

"The total seized cash amount in check-posts is Rs 96,62,130 and Rs 20,65,160 was returned which had legal sources," he said.

"A total of 13,531.36 litres of liquor have been seized so far. Three criminals have been shifted to Ballary, Mangaluru and Gulbarga stations. They were arrested under Goonda Act. 17 criminals have been exiled to maintain law and order in the district. They were involved in Matka, gambling and assault on election commission officials.

"There are 54 booths which come under Naxal affected areas. We have taken all necessary precautions and measures to maintain law and order during the election. No one should use politically provoking messages without permission in the form of messages or pictures on Facebook or other social media," he said.

"We have five-layer spectral officers to watch all election activities. Central paramilitary forces will take care of any problems that occur in polling booths. Under CPF, PSI ranking officers will be deployed and 24 inspectors will supervise the polling activities.”

"The armed police squads have come from 16 different companies," the SP said.

SP Laxman further urged the public to go to their respective polling booths to cast their valuable vote on May 12. "District police force is all set to conduct peaceful and fearless voting this time,” he added.