Cuttack, March 26: Non-bailable warrants have been issued against at least 18 persons who have failed to hand over their vehicles to the regional transport authorities for poll duties.

Another 35 persons have been served showcause notice by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for their failure to send their vehicles.

An official in the transport office said even though the process of requisitioning of vehicles (government and private) had already started, many vehicle owners were reluctant to spare their vehicles.

“We have so far issued showcause notice to around 35 vehicle owners while warrants have been issued against 18 persons. One person has been arrested for not complying with our orders,” said regional transport officer, Cuttack, Dipti Ranjan Patra.

The district administration, entrusted with the task of electioneering, has the powers to requisition private vehicles for public purposes.

The vehicle owners are paid as fixed by the administration.

Cuttack district needs 2,500 vehicles (light and heavy) for transportation of polling officers, police personnel with EVMs for the second phase polls scheduled for April 17.

Out of the total vehicle requirement, 1,300 vehicles have so far complied with the order. The remaining vehicles have been asked to report on specific dates.

Official sources said that vehicles from various government and private agencies are being requisitioned under relevant legal provisions.

The violators are penalised under Section 167 of the Representation of People’s Act, 1951. A person can be sent to jail for a maximum period of one year if he is to found to have dishonoured the poll requisition for cars.