PANAJI
The Chief Electoral Office (CEO) on Friday evening detained two vehicles, one of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the other of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) for violating permissions.
Speaking to media, CEO Kunal said the permission was only for video display and not for banners. “Only flags are allowed, banners are not. The returning officer of Santa Cruz had filed a complaint that AAP and BJP vehicles were displaying banners on three sides of the vans, but the permission was only for a video,” he said.
Both vehicles have been detained and are in the custody of the CEO and have been sent for examination. Based on the violations, Kunal said, under the Motor Vehicles Act, both parties will be punished.
BJP had on Thursday launched 20 mobile video vans at the hands of MP Shripad Naik. Kunal said since one of the 20 had been detained, the other 19 would also be under investigation to see if they too were in violation of permissions.
Meanwhile, police also caught and are investigating an individual carrying Rs 52,000 in cash at Maina Curtorim. This is the first instance since the model code of conduct came into force.
The liquor seizures since January 4 has totaled 27,191 litres amounting to Rs 33.93 lakh. The excise department has seized a total of 33,525 litres amounting to Rs 45.50 lakh. The total of narcotics seized is Rs 32 lakh.
The CEO also received complaints against bench installations in Tivim, that were stopped and a party organized by the Congress in Mapusa. Complaints were also filed against persons for distributing liquor and cash in Saligao and St. Andre. Both of these were found to be fake.
Meanwhile, a walkathon has been scheduled by the CEO on Sunday at over 40 locations across the state in a bid to promote this year’s theme of ethical voting.
Meanwhile, they also organized a Cantaram competition, where Rochelle Fernandes won first place and Dominic Rodrigues came in second.
