The entire district, especially Mangalore, is under a special security scanner in the backdrop of the Assembly elections. Police, Transport and Excise departments — all have come together to keep a strict vigil on the possible illegal activities and violation of the model code of conduct, well in advance.

Regional Transport Office (RTO) has opened a special check-post at Talapady, in order to inspect all vehicles entering from Kerala and departing from the State; meanwhile district police has installed five check-posts in five different entry points of the City. All key officials have been instructed to be on a high alert.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, DK Superintendent of Police N Sathish Kumar said two Border Security Force (BSF) troupes have already started functioning in the city, who are into the night checking duties too. “Cases are being booked under Section 107 and 110 of Criminal Procedure Code as a precautionary measure. While a separate eye has been kept on Kerala border,” he said.

Including Nanthoor, Kottara Chowki and Kadri, checking has been introduced in five corners. Special surveillance is being carried out on all types of vehicles as a measure to prevent illegal money, weapons and anti-social elements from entering into the district.

Towards instilling confidence among the public regarding security measures, the department will hold route march in Puttur, Ullal, Bantwal and Surathkal in the coming days, he informed.

When contacted, RTO Sadashiva said apart from routine inspection of vehicles, the department is also vigilant on the violation of election code under its purview. “The officials will keep an eye on the use of unauthorised vehicles, banners and mikes on moving vehicles. Using private vehicles for election purpose is also objectionable under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989,” he added.

“We are authorised to seize any vehicle that does not display the permission letter of the Returning Officer, but being used for campaigning purpose. Sometimes, our staff need to look into the instructions from the election officials too in this regard,” Mr Sadashiva said.

The RTO has also sent around 500 vehicles to Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Hassan and Bangalore for election duty.

The DK district may require over 1,000 vehicles for elections, for which other RTOs will co-operate. If government vehicles are not sufficient, private vehicles will be hired, he added. 

HIGHLIGHTS 

Route march in Puttur, Bantwal, Ullal, Surathkal soon
 BSF battalions conducting night checking
 Check-posts in five places in Mangalore, besides Talapady
 Eye on illegal money, weapons entering the district
 Strict vigil on violation of poll code