From March 16 to May 9, 2024, the UP Police Department confiscated 536 licensed firearms from criminals in compliance with the Election Commission’s directive. Additionally, 4,705 firearms licenses have been revoked and deposited, news agency ANI reported.
Authorities have reportedly issued notices under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to restrict the movements of 27,20,387 people, and 24,48,726 people complied with the ban. These efforts are being made to proactively prevent possible unrest amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
Additionally, the police department has confiscated 9,059 unlicensed firearms, 9,149 cartridges, 3,019.32 kilograms of explosives and 522 bombs. Police raided 4,016 illegal firearms manufacturing centers and 173 centers were seized.
State Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa said that along with the announcement of the dates of the 2024 Lok Sabha general elections, the Model Code of Conduct is effectively implemented across the state to ensure free, fair, peaceful and fair elections. fear. vote, impartial, inclusive and secure. The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on March 16, 2024 that the country will go to polls in seven phases for the Lok Sabha elections, starting from April 19 and ending on June 1; The results will be announced on June 4. With this, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) effectively came into force.
In accordance with the instructions of ICE, police, Income Tax, Excise, Narcotics and other departments are taking action. For thorough scrutiny, 464 inter-state check posts and 1,728 intra-state check posts are operational.
Additionally, on May 9, 2024, the police department revoked and deposited the license for a firearm belonging to a felon. Taking preventive measures under CrPC, 32,124 people were banned. In addition, 63 unlicensed firearms, 65 cartridges and 8 bombs were seized. Police raided 38 illegal firearms manufacturing centers and confiscated one center.
Uttar Pradesh, the political heart of the country, has the largest number of constituencies contributing 80 seats to the Lok Sabha. The state will continue to go to the polls until the last phase on June 1. The next and fifth phase will be held on May 20 and 14 seats of the state will be voted on.