In a major security overhaul, Jharkhand Police has significantly enhanced vigil along interstate borders starting Sunday, establishing additional check posts to ensure free and fair elections in neighboring Bihar and the Ghatshila assembly constituency.
Massive Security Deployment Across Borders
The police administration has established 43 check posts across 10 border districts of Jharkhand that share boundaries with eight Bihar districts. The affected districts include Hazaribag, Garhwa, Chatra, Giridih, Godda, Palamu, Koderma, Deoghar, Sahibganj, and Dumka.
Additionally, 10 check posts are already operational on borders with West Bengal and Odisha specifically for the Ghatshila assembly bypoll. These security points are strategically located in Ghatshila area bordering Mayurbhanj in Odisha and Jhargram and Purulia in West Bengal.
Enhanced Security Measures from Sunday
According to Inspector General Michael Raj, the state police nodal officer for elections, the security apparatus will be further strengthened from Sunday. The number of check posts on Jharkhand-Bihar border will increase to 57, while the check posts on Jharkhand-West Bengal-Odisha borders will see an addition of 13 units.
"The check posts functional were on the routes regularly used by the people. The new check posts would be set up on roads which have low traffic also," IG Michael Raj explained, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the security blanket.
Comprehensive Strategy to Curb Illegal Activities
The primary objective of this massive security deployment is to completely prevent the illegal movement of cash, liquor, narcotics, election freebies and criminals across state borders. The timing coincides with the crucial Bihar state assembly elections and Ghatshila assembly bypoll in Jharkhand, both scheduled for November 11.
Each check post will be manned by a team comprising magistrates, excise and forest department officials alongside police personnel, ensuring multi-departmental coordination and effective monitoring.
"The focus is on fully curbing illegal movement of cash, liquor, narcotics, election freebies and criminals between borders," the IG added, highlighting the zero-tolerance approach towards any attempts to influence the electoral process through illegal means.
