The Election Commission of India on Friday directed the Karnataka’s coastal districts to ensure sea surveillance in preparation of the April 17 Lok Sabha election.
Addressing presspersons here, A.B. Ibrahim, Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada, said the direction was given in a video conference to prevent smuggling of liquor, cash and any other materials relating to the election through the sea route.
Mr. Ibrahim later discussed the direction in a meeting with officials of Customs, Coastal Security Police. Coast Guard personnel, who too were called, could not attend due to ‘Sagarakavacha’ programme. Mr. Ibrahim said he would call a meeting with them on Sunday or Monday.
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The Returning Officer said the commission appreciated two steps taken by the district administration in connection with the election. The district administration was stopping mobile banking service (on wheels) of South Canara District Central Cooperative Bank (SCDCC) and seeking details from the Collector of Kasaragod on the participation of BJP candidate for Dakshina Kannada Nalin Kumar Kateel at a rally in Kasaragod, on April 8, which was attended by BJP’s “star campaigner” M. Narendra Modi.