Flying squads to keep eagle eye on poll activities

PK Jaiswar

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 19

If you see, jeeps or SUVs with CCTV cameras fitted on them, don’t be surprised. They are flying squads constituted by the Election Commission for keeping a close watch on any wrongdoing or use of illicit means during the coming Assembly and Lok Sabha by-poll for Amritsar to be held on February 4.

These vehicles also have the facility of the global positioning system and teams have to reach the spot quickly as soon as information regarding some mischievous activity is received.

Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Electoral Officer Basant Garg said nobody would be allowed to influence voters by any means, including money, power, drugs or liquor. All activities would be under scanner of these flying squads.

“The CCTV cameras-equipped vehicles were provided by the Election Commission to ensure that people use their franchise to cast vote without any fear and influence,” he said.

According to officials, every constituency would have three flying squads each and one of the squad would be equipped with this vehicle. The GPS system would help in tracking their location and how much time they take to reach the spot where any illegality is informed. The flying squads would also be questioned in case they reaches the scene late.

They said in the previous elections, it was found that flying squads reach late at the desire place on time and failed to take any action. The GPS system would facilitate officials to track their location. This GPS system would be attached with the district election office control room, Election Commission, Punjab, and the ECI. They will be on duty round the clock.