Ranchi: Jharkhand police have been placed on high alert along the areas bordering West Bengal ahead of the final phase of voting on Wednesday, an official said on Tuesday. The heightened security measures are aimed at preventing the smuggling of alcohol, cash, and freebies.
Approximately 55 composite check posts have been activated across the 10 bordering districts to enforce vigilance, the police added.
Inspector General (Operations) Narendra Kumar Singh stated, “District police, along with magistrates, are deployed at the check posts on the borders. The primary objective is to curb the movement of cash, liquor, other types of freebies, and anti-social elements.”
The 10 districts situated along the Bengal border include Sahebganj, Pakur, Dumka, Jamtara, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Ramgarh, Ranchi, Seraikela Kharsawan, and East Singhbhum.
Senior police officials noted that while elections in constituencies adjacent to the Jharkhand border were completed in the first phase, police have maintained alertness for the second phase as well to prevent any irregularities. “Regular checking of vehicles and people is underway as per protocol,” said another official.
Police also revealed that for each check post on Jharkhand’s border, a corresponding mirror check post has been established on Bengal’s side. Both state police forces share lists of local criminals with photographs to facilitate arrests when they attempt to cross state lines.
Additionally, during the first phase, individuals who were not voters of a particular constituency were prevented from entering from Jharkhand’s side except in emergencies.
