Police tighten border checks before Ghatshila bypoll

SP orders crackdown on liquor and cash smuggling across district

Key Points:

• 72-hour pre-poll vigilance in full swing in East Singhbhum
• Liquor, cash smuggling targeted ahead of Ghatshila by-election
• Checkposts sealed at Ghatshila, Galudih, Musabani, Dumaria

GHATSHILA – Ahead of the Ghatshila Assembly by-election, police have launched strict pre-poll border checks to maintain peace and transparency.

Security has been stepped up in Galudih, Ghatshila, Dhalbhumgarh, Kowali, Musabani, and Dumaria areas. Moreover, inter-state checkposts have been sealed. Senior Police Superintendent directed officials to intensify inspections 72 hours before voting.

However, special focus has been placed on stopping liquor smuggling and illegal cash movement. Excise and police teams are jointly conducting vehicle checks at major border routes.

Besides, flying squads have been deployed in sensitive areas. On the other hand, the district control room is monitoring all checkposts round-the-clock.

A police source said, “We are ensuring that no banned material crosses the border. The election will be peaceful.”
In addition, the Election Commission has instructed officers to maintain strict neutrality and record all vehicle seizures and recoveries.

Meanwhile, the EVM and VVPAT commissioning for the constituency has been completed. Postal ballot voting has already begun.
Earlier, the Model Code of Conduct was enforced after the poll announcement.
In past weeks, liquor seizures were reported from multiple locations.
Besides, campaigns by political parties are intensifying as polling day nears.
Additionally, authorities earlier carried out vehicle inspections across East Singhbhum to ensure fair conduct.

Police will continue the heightened vigilance until the voting concludes.