Officials to keep strict vigil in AP-Odisha border villages

Srikakulam: Police, Excise and Revenue officials of both AP and Odisha states have jointly initiated steps to maintain strict vigil all along the border areas between the two states in the wake of coming elections. In AP and Odisha states elections will be held simultaneously. In this backdrop, rampant transportation of liquor and money along with criminals is expected. In addition, Maoists also make their efforts to prove their existence in the border villages.

With an aim to prevent these problems, officials of both Srikakulam district of AP and Ganjam district of Odisha had conducted coordination meetings. Total 28 polling stations are located along the border areas in Srikakulam district and of them 22 have been identified as Maoist affected. These polling stations are spread in Palakonda, Pathapatnam and Palasa assembly segments.

Police have arranged checkpoints at all important road junctions to conduct vehicle checks round the clock. They also collected details of former and surrendered Maoists and habitual offenders.

Excise officials of Palasa division in Srikakulam district and Ganjam district of Odisha have conducted joint raids on illicitly distilled liquor points at border villages at Gongapur, Ramachandrapuram and Sodiyagam and destroyed molasses and cheap liquor and arrested two persons in this connection on Saturday night. Police and Excise officials warned offenders with dire consequences in the wake of coming elections.