The number of FIRs lodged in connection with alleged violation of the election model code of conduct continues to rise in the State. The figure has now reached up to 48 as per the report received from the Election Commission office.

The report further reveals that three FIRs have been lodged at various police stations in the State on Monday. While two have been lodged in Uttarkashi district, three each have been lodged in Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Dehradun and Haridwar districts, seven in Pauri, eight in Bageshwar, one in Champawat, five in Nainital and 13 in Udham Singh Nagar.

Besides, 186 candidates have been served notices for violation of model code of conduct for allegedly conducting public meetings without informing returning officers concerned as well as misuse of vehicles, violation of the norms related to the use of loud speakers, inducement and others, according to the report of the election commission.

The election officials have removed unauthorised posters and banners from 1,12,770 public and 3,46,577 private places across the State since the model code of conduct was enforced.

With the polling date approaching nearer, it is learnt that liquors are being imported from neighbouring States like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. However, police are not sitting idle having arrested several liquor smugglers and seized large caches of illegal liquor.

In tune with the momentum of curbing liquor smuggling, a total of 677 FIRs, including 25 on Monday, have been registered in various police stations of the State under the Excise Act since the enforcement of MCC. Excise department has lodged 517 FIRs, including 21 on Monday, against those involved in illegal liquor trade. Besides, the department has seized 32,668.970 litres of illegally imported liquor, including 579.370 litres on Monday. Side by side, the police department has seized 14,955.074 litres of liquor, including 583.090 litres on Monday, from the possession of the accused.

Moreover, police conducting a drive directing the licensed gun holders to deposit their firearms at the police stations concerned, 37,737 licensed guns, including 954 on Monday, have been deposited at the police stations so far. Police claimed that 75 per cent of such firearms have been deposited so far with the last date for it being February 1. 

Police have also seized 91 illegal guns/weapons and 31 cartridges from persons carrying them illegally, an election official said.