POLL CALL

Police advised to strengthen intelligence network

COOCH BEHAR, March 5: The special inspector general of police, Jalpaiguri range, Mr DT Lepcha advised the Cooch Behar District Police to strengthen its intelligence network to curb the spurt of criminal activities.

On the otherhand, Cooch Behar DM Mr RK Sinha said he asked the District Police to submit a report on the requirement of additional forces to conduct the ensuing election peacefully.

Today, Mr Lepcha held a meeting with district police officials at the Araksha Bhavan in Cooch Behar. The SP, the ASP, all ICs and OCs and intelligence officials engaged in Cooch Behar district attended the meeting. The Special IGP asked them to keep strict vigil on the recent activities and movement of militant outfits including Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO). He emphasised on strengthening of source for the intelligence network. Any information, even if it appears a normal one should not be ignored, he said.

As the Lok Sabha poll is on the corner, the police were asked to gather information about any plan to boycott polls in any area.

Recent spurt of incidents of dacoities in Cooch Behar was also came up in the meeting. The Special IGP instructed the Cooch Behar Police to consider the police officials as permanent ones who recently replaced their counterparts following pre-poll norms. During investigation of the criminal activities these officials should act properly leaving behind the thought of transfer after three months, Mr Lepcha said.

Mr Lepcha also asked the SP Mr DP Singh and other officials to get ready for execution of pending warrants. Information about licensed firearms owners also should be collected, as they would have to surrender their guns prior to the polls.

On the otherhand, district magistrate of Cooch Behar Mr RK Sinha too held a meeting with senior police officials today. Discussions have been held on election related issues like model code of conduct and law and order situation. Mr Sinha said he asked the police to prepare a list of vulnerable and sensitive booths.