Over 10,000 illegal weapons seized in UP ahead of final phase of LS polls

So far, more than 10,000 illegal weapons have been seized in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections. The seizure is part of the state government's efforts to ensure compliance with the Election Commission of India's guidelines for maintaining free, fair and peaceful polls in the state.

As per the directives of the Election Commission, continuous action is being taken by police, income tax, excise, narcotics and other state departments.

Several checkpoints are notably operational to prevent the circulation of illegal items in the state, while many people have been arrested on suspicion of disturbing public order. In addition, police dismantled several illegal arms manufacturing centers and recovered thousands of illegal weapons, cartridges and explosives.

With the announcement of the dates for the 2024 Lok Sabha general elections on March 16, 2024, the Model Code of Conduct is in force to ensure free, fair, peaceful, fearless, incitement-free, inclusive and secure elections. vote statewide.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Navdeep Rinwa on Tuesday said 464 interstate check posts and 1,730 check posts were being operated for intensive inspection in the state. From March 16 to May 27, 2024, police seized 537 licensed weapons belonging to criminals. Additionally, the licenses of 4,766 authorized weapons were canceled and filed.

He said similar notifications have been issued to 28,28,174 people, including 26,82,469 already arrested for preventive peacekeeping actions. In addition, the police department seized 10,099 unauthorized weapons, 10,258 cartridges, 3,099.32 kilograms of explosives and 604 bombs. Police also raided 5,289 illegal arms manufacturing centers, of which 188 were sealed.

The Chief Electoral Officer said all responsible departments are taking continued action. In this sequence, on May 27, a significant number of actions were carried out by the police.

He reported that on May 27, under the CrPC, police took preventive measures and arrested 5,923 people. In addition, 42 unauthorized weapons, 48 ​​cartridges and 9 bombs were recovered and seized.

Additionally, to combat illegal weapons, police raided 37 illegal weapons manufacturing factories.