Rautahat Police Chief Pledges Tight Security for Upcoming Federal Elections

Rautahat. Rautahat Police Chief SP Sitaram Rijal has stated that there will be no lapses in security arrangements targeting the upcoming House of Representatives elections. Speaking at an introductory and meet-and-greet program organized by the District Police Office, Rautahat, on Wednesday, he committed to mobilizing the entire security apparatus to ensure the elections are conducted in a peaceful and fear-free environment.

Mentioning that the police organization is working honestly and professionally according to public expectations, SP Rijal stated that special strategies will be adopted this time, keeping past experiences in mind. "Special monitoring and security vigilance will be increased in areas where incidents like ballot boxes being snatched occurred during previous elections," he said.

He noted that this election is more challenging due to the apprehension that weapons looted during the 'Janjati' movement might be misused. Asserting that "When the police sleep, crime increases; when the police are awake, crime decreases," he clarified that individuals involved in serious crimes will be taken into custody based on complaints and legal action will be initiated.

Journalists present at the program raised various questions related to election security. Complaints included weak traffic management, the use of Indian-registered vehicles in the elections, and the open sale of illegal liquor in border areas. Furthermore, there were calls to make the Community-Police Partnership Program more effective, concerns about the trend of youth speeding on motorcycles leading to increased accidents, and allegations that police on duty are more focused on traders than citizens.

Issues such as delays in registering complaints, suspicion of financial manipulation, slow investigation in rape cases, and lack of clear information regarding the implementation of court orders were also raised by the journalists. Attention was also drawn to weapon and liquor smuggling via the border, lax customs checks, and the trend of playing obscene songs during DJ parties spoiling the social environment.

In response, SP Rijal stated that all necessary security measures will be adopted to prevent anti-election activities. He also informed that special monitoring will be carried out as the Holi festival is also sensitive from a security perspective. His commitment included tightening checks at border crossings, improving traffic management, and increasing collaboration with the community.

He warned that delays or negligence in police operations will not be tolerated and urged citizens to inform the nearest police station if they face any problems. District Police Spokesperson DSP Bishnupradip Basnyal was also present alongside SP Sitaram Rijal at the program.