Bihar Police bans victory processions, warn of jail for troublemakers

Patna: Security was beefed up for the counting on Friday near all strongrooms formed in 38 districts of the state, with Bihar Police issuing strict directives to maintain law and order, warning that anyone attempting to disrupt the process would be sent to jail.

Victory processions that are taken out after election results have also been banned this time.The police have made comprehensive security arrangements for the counting day, deploying a large number of personnel and paramilitary forces at all counting centres, each also being monitored through CCTV cameras.Bihar director general of police (DGP), Vinay Kumar, on Thursday issued strict instructions to maintain law and order during and after the vote counting process.

“Any attempts to disrupt peace will be met with immediate action, and those found guilty will face stringent penalties under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita,” he said.The DGP issued strict instructions to all district superintendents of police that peace and order must be maintained at all costs during and after vote counting. All districts were instructed to take immediate action on any situation related to law and order and send reports to headquarters.

Police have also made extensive preparations to avoid unpleasant incidents.“Each centre will be continuously monitored through CCTV cameras and drones, so that any suspicious or anti-social elements can be immediately identified and caught,” said Kumar.The DGP clearly stated that no permission would be given for any kind of victory processions. Strict action would be taken against any person or group violating the order.The Police Headquarters also clarified that not only would FIRs be registered against the lawbreakers, they would also be punished through speedy trials.The DGP appealed to the state's voters and political party workers to maintain peace. Stating that an election is a festival of democracy, which should be celebrated with harmony and discipline, he requested people to stay home with family, and watch results on TV or digital media. “Do not crowd at counting centres and break law by falling for anyone’s provocation or misleading news,” he appealed to the public.