PEW plans to open 5 check posts on borders

Accordingly, apart from organising surprise vehicle checks throughout the state, the Excise Department authorities have initiated measures to strengthen the check post and to help Election Commission appointed flying squad officials in curbing infiltration of liquor.

For this purpose, a total of 45 prohibition check posts would be established across the state, a senior official from the Excise Department told DT Next on Thursday. He said five check posts each in Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur and Vellore would be set up.

“In other districts, two check posts will be established,” he said adding “apart from these, seven mobile check posts will be on rounds in Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Krishnagiri, Tiruvallur and Tiruvarur districts.” The official said that informants would be rewarded for giving information to prohibition enforcement wing officials about the illegal transportation of liquor.

Stating that there were 96 prohibition enforcement wing units functioning in the state, he said extra security personnel would also be deployed in these existing units till elections were over.

“Each unit, which will be headed by an inspector of police, are declared as police stations for enforcing Prohibition Act and it will be supervised by the deputy and additional superintendents of police in districts and cities,” he added.

According to the official, activities of political parties, especially during the campaign trail, would be under watch to stop liquor distribution to the cadre.

“Vehicle checks will be intensified, especially during nights. Special instructions have been given to the officials to arrest the offenders immediately for action as per the model code of conduct provisions,” he pointed out.