In a decisive move to ensure a peaceful vote counting process, the Beed police in Maharashtra have announced plans to extern all individuals linked to violence and rioting on the recent polling day. The action will span three critical days surrounding the counting of votes.
Three-Day Externment Order to Secure Counting
Superintendent of Police Navneet Kanwat stated that the externment will be enforced across two districts, including Beed itself. The order will be effective for one day before counting, on the counting day, and the day after. This preventive measure aims to ensure that identified miscreants cannot influence or disrupt the democratic process.
The police are invoking powers granted under Section 163(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to execute this action. Senior officers confirmed that the decision followed a thorough review of the gravity of the violence that erupted on December 2.
Recap of the Polling Day Clashes
The unrest began near the Urdu School in ward 10 of Georai. What started as a minor argument between two groups quickly escalated when supporters from both sides gathered unlawfully and began assaulting each other.
Police reports indicate the violence soon spread beyond the initial spot. One group entered the Krishnai Bungalow premises and allegedly beat up people present there. In retaliation, the rival group regrouped and moved to the Zilla Parishad Boys' School on Kolher Road, where a fresh round of stone-pelting erupted. A parked four-wheeler had its windows smashed during this incident.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigations
Following the disturbance, the Georai police registered a case under relevant BNS sections, including 223 and 189(2). The First Information Report (FIR) named 21 accused and listed another 20 to 30 people as unidentified.
Law enforcement has made significant progress in the case. Seventeen of the named accused have been arrested and subsequently released on notice. Furthermore, evidence from CCTV cameras and social media footage has helped identify an additional 20 suspects. Officials confirmed that all these individuals will be detained prior to the counting day.
Senior Inspector Kishore Pawar of Georai police station emphasized the zero-tolerance approach, stating, "Those who attempted to disturb public peace during polling will not be allowed anywhere near Georai on counting day. They will remain externed from two districts for three days to ensure a peaceful counting process."
Stringent Measures to Deter Future Misconduct
The police are also taking additional legal steps to prevent recurrence. The arrested accused are being bound over for good behavior before the special executive magistrate, with substantial monetary bonds set as a deterrent. Authorities warned that any further violations would attract heavy fines or imprisonment.
In today's digital age, the Beed police have also issued a public appeal. They have urged citizens to refrain from circulating inflammatory content related to politics, community, or caste on social media. The cyber unit is actively monitoring online platforms, and strict action is promised against anyone attempting to incite tension or create disorder during the sensitive counting period.
This multi-pronged strategy of physical externment, legal binding, and cyber vigilance underscores the administration's commitment to maintaining law and order and upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
