Pune polls: Cops alert for breach of code

The special branch of Pune police has started a cell to look into cases of violation of the model code of conduct and the law and order angle during the forthcoming civic and zilla parishad elections.

The cell comprises a senior inspector, four police sub-inspectors, four assistant sub-inspectors and 15 constables.

They will keep a close watch on candidates and the use of money and muscle power. They will inform the state election commission (SEC), the state intelligence department and top brass of the city police commissionerate about violations. It will also disseminate awareness of the rules made by the SEC to police stations.

Senior police inspector GV Nikam, in-charge of the cell, told DNA, “In case there is a violation of the code of conduct, the police station in-charge would report it to us.”

A senior police officer attached to the city police told DNA, “The cell is focusing on candidates’ expenses, use of vehicles, permission for rallies and speeches.”

A police inspector attached to the crime branch said one serious issue is that of political goondaism, where a person whose criminal record is apparently clean is suspected to be a major player in the use of muscle and money power during the polls.