Six times higher liquor, drugs & cash seized during HP polls: DGP

The  state police and election machinery has claimed six times higher seizure of illicit liquor cash and drugs, than previous polls, stated by Himachal Director General of police Sanjay Kundu in a press release issued here today.

Since announcement of elections, on 14-10-2022, till conclusion on 12-11-2022, as much as  1,70,720 litres of illicit liquor, 33 kg charas, 1275 grams of heroin (chitta) was reported by the state police.  Hundred an twenty six grams of Ganja, 347 grams of sawdust poppy and cash and other items worth Rs.4,20,91,940/- were seized under the Mining Act. Fines were claimed worth Rs.33,60,000/- through 572 challans. Total 67 proclaimed offenders were arrested  across the state,  88,532 licensed weapons were deposited in police stations which is 91 pc  of the total issued licensed weapons, 945 persons were bound down under various Acts, he stated.

Referring to the arrangements, he stated that as soon as the elections were announced, and the model code of conduct was enforced in the state strict security arrangements were made by the police department. 232 Flying Squads and 232 Static Surveillance Teams teams were formed across the state.  108 barriers and entry points along the border with neighbouring states were sealed and police force was deployed at all these places.  Apart from this, CCTV cameras were installed at these 108 barriers and entry points, through which people and vehicles coming and going were monitored.  Central police forces were deployed in 67 companies to stop the supply of liquor during elections. Apart from this, 2,500 home guards from the state from Uttarakhand and 1.381 home guards from the states of Uttar Pradesh, were deployed.

To ensure peaceful elections, 11,847 police personnel and 4,500 home guards of different ranks of the State were also deployed on election duty.  Central security forces were deployed in each critical polling station to ensure peaceful and free elections, while Himachal Police and home guards were deployed at other polling booths.

He said that after voting, all the polled EVMs have been safely deposited in the strong rooms set up in 68 constituencies across the state.  A 3-Tier Security System was installed to protect Strong Rooms . Counting of votes would be held on December 8, concluded the DGP.