In an unprecedented move to ensure peaceful and transparent elections, the Nagpur Rural Police has launched round-the-clock drone surveillance across the entire district. This high-tech security measure comes ahead of the crucial municipal council and nagar panchayat elections scheduled for December 2.
Zero Tolerance Against Electoral Malpractices
The rural police administration has declared zero tolerance towards the use of money, muscle power, and liquor to influence voters during the upcoming elections. Demonstrating their seriousness, authorities have already taken stringent action against known troublemakers.
Police have cancelled the bonds of 21 goons and recovered a substantial penalty of ₹5.40 lakh. Seven individuals have been sent to jail for failing to pay the required amount. These measures specifically target the prevention of smuggling activities involving liquor, arms, and illegal currency from Madhya Pradesh to Maharashtra.
Advanced Drone Technology for Comprehensive Monitoring
The drone surveillance program represents a significant technological leap in election security. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, night vision capabilities, and thermal imaging technology, these drones are maintaining constant vigil over all six sub-divisions of the district.
The aerial surveillance covers Nagpur, Umred, Kanhan, Ramtek, Saoner, and Katol sub-divisions without interruption. This initiative is already being viewed as a model that other districts across the state might soon replicate for their electoral processes.
According to police officials, the drone patrolling will continue uninterrupted until the last vote is cast and counted. The primary objectives include detecting and deterring distribution of illegal liquor, cash-for-votes schemes, and any other form of voter inducement that violates the Model Code of Conduct.
Strategic Focus and Rapid Response System
Following specific instructions from SP Harssh A Poddar, special attention is being given to villages with historical records of electoral misconduct. Areas that witnessed incidents of booth capturing, voter intimidation, or violence in previous elections are under enhanced surveillance.
The live video feeds from drones are being streamed directly to both the District Election Control Room and sub-divisional police headquarters. This real-time monitoring enables immediate deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) whenever suspicious activity is detected through the aerial surveillance.
Complementing the drone initiative, police have intensified traditional security measures including vehicle checking, nakabandi operations, and raids on illegal liquor manufacturing units. The comprehensive security approach has resulted in four gangs being externed and 38 goons deported from the district.
In a significant legal move, two criminal syndicates have been charged with MCOCA, while approximately 640 goons have faced stringent preventive actions to ensure they cannot disrupt the electoral process.
The Nagpur Rural Police's multi-layered security strategy, combining advanced technology with traditional policing methods, aims to create an environment where voters can exercise their franchise without fear or influence.
