||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder Singh August 31,2024||

KISHTWAR: In a major development amidst the ongoing enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in Kishtwar district, a coordinated operation led by the Flying Squad team, including EMIC Chatroo and the police team from Police Station Chatroo, resulted in the seizure of ₹2,20,000/- in cash. The operation took place at a checkpoint (naka) in Chatroo, where officers intercepted a vehicle bearing registration number JK17A9967. The vehicle was being driven by Arif Hussain, a resident of Udil Gujran, Tehsil Chatroo.

The seized cash, which has now been handed over to the Flying Squad team, raises concerns about potential attempts to influence voters in the upcoming assembly elections. This incident follows a pattern observed during previous elections; Chatroo police had earlier seized more than ₹5 lakhs in the last parliamentary elections, demonstrating their ongoing vigilance.

According to sources, the cash was allegedly linked to a close associate of a former minister, who is now contesting the elections as an independent candidate. The possibility of using cash to lure voters is a significant concern, and local law enforcement agencies are on high alert to prevent any such malpractices.

Under the supervision of SSP Kishtwar Abdul Qayoom and DIG DKR Range, Shridhar Patil-IPS , further investigations are being conducted to uncover the full extent of this operation. The Kishtwar police, recognized for their proactive approach, are maintaining a strong presence in the area, ensuring that any attempts to disrupt the election process are swiftly addressed.

Local residents have expressed their concerns to our team, indicating that agents are actively attempting to sway voters through illegal means. However, the district police, in collaboration with the Flying Squad, remain steadfast in their efforts to monitor and prevent any electoral malpractices, ensuring a free and fair election despite the looming threat of terrorism in the region.

This incident underscores the critical role of vigilant law enforcement during election periods, especially in areas like Kishtwar, where the stakes are high, and the potential for unrest is significant. The swift action by the police not only secures the electoral process but also sends a strong message against any attempts to undermine the integrity of the elections.