Patna: Bihar Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena has directed district magistrates and superintendents of police in seven border districts to take strict action against land mafia and smugglers in the run-up to the upcoming assembly elections. Chairing a review meeting on maintaining law and order, he instructed officials to collect detailed information on land mafia and smugglers, form special cells at the superintendent of police level, and launch comprehensive campaigns to arrest absconding notorious criminals.
The chief secretary also called for continuous raids against illegal liquor trade, vehicle checks, and strict action against identified criminals under the Crime Control Act. He stressed expediting the arrest of offenders to maintain peace during the election period.
In a crackdown on Arms Act violators, Director General of Police Vinay Kumar ordered verification of arms licenses and shops in all districts within a month. He directed officials to issue notices swiftly and cancel licenses of guilty arms dealers, warning that delays in such matters often have wider law and order repercussions.
Expressing concern over the pending cases related to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the superintendent of police was directed to run a mission mode drive to resolve them. Officials were also instructed to intensify vehicle checks during peak hours.
Meena reviewed election preparedness in Supaul, Katihar, Purnia, Madhepura, Saharsa, Araria, and Kishanganj districts, directing timely provision of drinking water, toilets, electricity, furniture, and ramps at all election centres. He emphasised readiness of buildings marked for the stay of paramilitary forces during elections.
The meeting was attended by Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, Director General of Police Vinay Kumar, Additional Director General of Police Kundan Krishnan, and other senior officials.
