LS polls 2019: Officials team up to curb freebies

To check the flow of poll freebies like mixers, cookers and fans — distributed as inducements by candidates — officials in the border districts have formed a joint action plan with their counterparts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala.

On Thursday, Deputy Commissioner for Bangalore Urban district B M Vijay Shankar and Ramanagaram DC K J Rajendra held a meeting with Krishnagiri Collector S Prabhakar to chalk out plans for monitoring the movement of vehicles, curbing illicit liquor and transport of materials used for inducement.

“We have planned steps to prevent any activity that may affect free and fair elections. Industrial clusters in Hosur and Bengaluru will be monitored to check for any unusual or large-scale flow of materials like cooker, mixer, refrigerator etc. The emphasis is on curbing illicit liquor,” Vijay Shankar said.

He said that the superintendents of police of the three districts were part of the meeting. “Police have already rounded up people with criminal antecedents and will continue to hold strict vigil. Thorough checking of vehicles is being carried out and will be intensified in the coming days,” he said.

The flying and static surveillance squads have so far seized Rs 10.39 crore in cash, liquor worth Rs 37 lakh and 131 kg drugs. The Income Tax department has seized Rs 5.09 crore in cash and other materials worth Rs 1.68 crore.

Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police B M Laxmi Prasad said two meetings were held last month with high-level officials from Kerala districts that share the border with the state. “Both high-level and sub-divisional level officials met in two separate meetings before drawing up an action plan to enhance preparedness on the border,” he said.

Yadgir officials said they held a meeting on March 21 with Telangana officials (Mahbubnagar).

“Besides planning monitoring activities, we were able to bring clarity on issues like action against an activity that takes place at two jurisdictional limits, and strategic points for setting up check-posts,” he said.