Taking pre-emptive measures ahead of the elections, the Malerkotla district police on Monday carried out an extensive search operation inside the local prison premises to prevent any unlawful activities that could potentially disrupt the free and fair conduct of the polls.
Addressing the media, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Malerkotla, Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh said that the operation was led by Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Sehgal, along with Deputy Superintendent of Police (Malerkotla), Station House Officers of City Police Stations 1, 2 and 3, and a contingent of 75 additional personnel. Dubbing it as a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO), the police said the exercise was aimed at ensuring that no illegal activities were being orchestrated from within the prison that could influence the electoral process.
"We remain committed to upholding the rule of law and democratic principles. This operation was carried out to maintain the integrity of the elections and ensure that all citizens can exercise their franchise freely, without fear or intimidation," SSP Khakh said.
The massive search operation involved a thorough combing of the prison premises, including checking of 6 barracks and the kitchen area, where all 273 inmates (36 convicts and 237 under-trials) were checked. Stringent security protocols were followed during the exercise to prevent any untoward incidents, SSP Khakh said.
During the course of search operation, Nothing objectionable was found during the search. With the electorate in the State set to exercise their democratic right in the coming days, the Malerkotla police have re-emphasised their firm resolve to counter any attempt to disrupt the poll process through vigilance and pre-emptive actions.
The crackdown inside the prison premises is seen as part of the efforts by the authorities to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral exercise in the region.