The Junagadh police have adopted several precautionary measures for the Lok Sabha elections, which includes, and quite ironically, arrest of two local policemen.

Central paramilitary forces deployed here have been conducting flag marches in sensitive pockets, particularly in Talala and Kodinar Assembly segments.

Local policemen said preemptive action has been taken against 6,245 people in the district. Twenty-two people have been booked under the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA) and sent behind bars. Among them are two policemen, Ravji Govind and Chhadubha Bhurubha, posted at Talala and Una police stations respectively.

They were found to be involved in illicit liquor-related offences. In addition, 20 other people have been identified as habitual offenders and have been booked under PASA. “Due to the polls, 6,245 people have been rounded up across the district and preventive action has been initiated against them,” said a policeman.

As part of an intensified drive by the police, 61 people have been cast out from the district and warrants have been issued against 1,464

others. Also, 1,831 licensed weapons, which is over 95 per cent of the total licensed arms in the district, have been deposited in various police stations.

“Only bank security guards and officers on poll duty have been exempted,” said a police official.

The police have also made serious efforts to monitor

the district borders to prevent illicit liquor inflow. Special check posts have been erected on Diu-Junagadh border at Ahmadpur-Mandvi and Tad village. Besides, the entire costal belt from Una to Mangrol is being patrolled, particularly at Velan and Kotada coastal villages.

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