During the recent elections in Bihar, some supporters of a contesting candidate brought hydrogen balloons to welcome their leader. When the candidate arrived, other supporters burst crackers in jubilation and it ended in a tragedy.
Recalling the incident at a media conference on Thursday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) M. Srinivasulu said that the supporters wanted to celebrate but were obviously unaware that hydrogen gas was highly inflammable and bursting of crackers led to several persons sustaining burns in the incident. Bursting of crackers around the nomination centres would not be allowed under any circumstances and those found violating it would be liable for stringent action.
The City Police have come out with guidelines for representatives of various political parties and the contesting candidates in view of the election notification for the General Elections-2014 to be issued on April 12 and for the filing of nominations by candidates between April 12 and 19. Mr. Srinivasulu said that only three vehicles would be allowed up to 100 metres of the Returning Officer/Assistant Returning Officer’s Office for filing of nominations by the candidates. Only four persons would be allowed to accompany the candidate into the RO/ARO office.
