DGP instructs officers on election procedures

PANAJI: Police officers have been asked to serve all pending warrants and challans as well as expedite investigations against electoral offenders. Besides they have been asked to unearth illicit liquor and unlicenced arms before the elections to ensure free and fair elections.
This was conveyed to police officers last Tuesday in a meeting by DGP Kishan Kumar at police headquarters.DIG Ravindra Yadav and SP (election cell) Omprakash Kudtarkar briefed police officials on steps needed to be taken during elections.
Officers have also been asked to compile a list of electoral offenders who have indulged in offences of impersonation and booth capturing in the past. “Also, they have been asked to prepare an updated list of history sheeters, declared absconders and fugitive criminals in the state,” said sources.
Also the police have been told that if any police officer’s relative is contesting elections, they have to immediately inform the police department. “He will be transferred to ensure that there is free and fair elections,” said an officer present for the meeting.
The police is also printing 200 copies of model code of conduct to be distributed to each police station in-charge, DySPs and SPs as well as zonal and sector officers. It contains instructions that need to be followed by the police during the election process.
DIG Yadav during the meeting reiterated that the police shouldn’t only appear to be impartial but also act impartially. “We were told that now we are on deputation to the Election Commission and are not under the state nor central government. Therefore we should follow the principle of firmness with politeness,” said sources.
Police officers have been asked to write to the administration for the removal of posters and they would provide necessary protection. “To avoid fights during canvassing and meetings, the police have been asked to ensure that everyone should be given equitable access to public grounds. Access should be decided on first-come-first-served basis,” said sources.
Police have already activated a flying squad in every sub division, with a PSI and three-four police constables and an executive magistrate heading it. “When a complaint of distribution of cash or liquor is received, they would have to gather evidence and record statements and provide a copy of the same to the police observers. The entire procedure has to be video recorded,” said an official.