With the enforcement of model code of conduct for the ensuing Assembly poll, police have started its drive to take back licenced arms from people in the district. In Kotwali Thana so far 16 licensed arms have been submitted till Wednesday.
Police are tightening grip over anti social elements as well as suspected people with a view to avoid any lapse in election on their part. That is why, from patrolling to minor activities police are taking seriously everything related to law and order with keeping a sustained watch on Maoists activities.
Notably, just after declaration of election dates police too have started showing heightened attention towards maintaining law and order in the district. In this series, while the licensed arms holders have been told to submit their weapons, cases of history-sheeter miscreants are studied afresh and they are being called to the respective police station and are warned to keeping away from committing any fresh crime.
Bastar is going to polls on November 11 and police are preparing not to let any miscreant or Maoist insurgents create any hurdle in conducting the poll peacefully. According to a police official, the police administration has made elaborate plan to counter the Maoists violence but police department is also keeping continuous tab on the anti social elements to ensure peaceful polling . Even a week long sustained watch on these elements would be enough to control the activities of anti social elements. For this, police have not only increased patrolling with increasing the number of forces but also constituting teams for regular questioning of history-sheeters. They are keeping tab on every inch of Bastar even as intensive checking drive has started in the town and surrounding villages.
Meanwhile, Director General of Police Ram Niwas Wednesday evening told newsmen that to conduct peaceful poll in Bastar extra security forces will be positioned there 15 days in advance. The companies of paramilitary forces sought from the Centre for conducting poll in Chhattisgarh will start arriving in the state from October 20, the DGP added.