Police to patrol Maoist-hit areas on motorcycles

Patna: The police headquarters has purchased 1,400 motorcycles for intensive and effective patrolling in Maoist infested areas and the riverine belt where police used to move on horses.
DGP P K Thakur said normally police used to traverse on jeeps and trucks in Maoist-hit areas, especially in dense forests, but it always had the risk of getting blown off by landmines laid by the left wing extremists.Many such instances had taken place in the past when Maoists killed police forces travelling in big vehicles by planting landmines. “In order to avert such attack, we have decided to deploy maximum number of motorcycle-borne police forces in the Maoist dominated areas so that poll process is not disturbed,” the DGP said.
Now, forces would move either on foot or patrol the area using two wheelers. As a priority, 454 motorcycles were despatched to different districts on Monday which are going to polls in the first phase. A maximum of 75 motorcycles have been given to Jamui followed by Nawada (59), Banka (50), Lakhisarai (49), Khagaria (40) and Bhagalpur (32). Begusarai, Naugachhia and Samastipur have also been given motorcycles.
Sources said the two-wheelers would be despatched accordingly in a span of next two to three days to the districts going to polls in the second phase. Motorcycles would be rushed to districts on the basis of priority.
As per the directive of the Election Commission of India, forces from the central armed police force (CAPF) would man all polling booths in the state while the Bihar police would be engaged only for road patrolling. State and central police forces have already taken positions in Maoist-hit and other areas with lethal weapons, including grenade launcher, mortar and anti-landmine vehicles to thwart any sinister design of Maoists or hardcore criminals. “Presence of police would also help in reposing confidence among people,” the DGP added.