Purnea, April 17: Home secretary Amir Subhani and director-general of police (DGP) Neel Mani today conducted a meeting with all superintendents of police and district magistrates of Purnea and Kosi divisions to review the panchayat poll preparedness in the region.
Panchayat elections in Purnea division are likely to be held in 10 phases, starting April 20 to May 18. In the fist phase, people of Amour block will exercise their franchise.
Speaking to reporters soon after the meeting at the auditorium of Purnea Collectorate, both the senior officers expressed satisfaction over preparations made so far for polls.
DGP Neel Mani said violence in any form during the panchayat polls would not be tolerated and stern action would be taken against candidates who use their power and muscle to disrupt the poll process.
The trial proceedings in such cases would be conducted in a fasttrack court against those who are found to be guilty of such crimes. Movement with arms and cash has been ceased on all routes of Seemanchal and Purvanchal region.
After the announcement of the panchayat elections in Bihar on February 21, police took action against 3,02,021 persons under Section 107/116 of the Criminal Proceeding Code.
Meanwhile, the police seized 234 country-made firearms, 5,209 live cartridges in different raids while 3,810 guns were deposited by the licence holders. As many as 16,643 identified troublemakers have been arrested so far while 3,850 warrantees have surrendered before the court.
Police also seized 1,34,311 litres of illicit liquor and 556 public transport vehicles.
The Bihar police, during its pre-poll crackdown on criminal elements between January and March, arrested 39,987 troublemakers, of which 1,064 were linked to big gangs. Around 24,776 suspected criminals, including 100 accused of terror charges, were sent to prison. The police also unearthed five mini gun factories during this period.
The Purnea police have arrested 564 troublemakers ahead of the panchayat elections, and disposed of 498 non-bailable warrants, seized six country-made pistols and 13 live cartridges.
The police have registered six complaints against candidates in the run up to the panchayat polls.
In another incident, Arbind Singh, a sharp shooter and a close aide of Vakil Singh — notorious criminal wanted in many cases under Purnea, Madhepura and Bhagalpur districts — was arrested under Tikkapati police station. Arbind Singh is wanted in many cases of kidnapping and murder at different places. Police seized a country-made pistol and three live cartridges from Arbind.
