DEO Sakshi Sawhney conducts surprise checking of night nakas by SSTs

Ludhiana, May 22, 2024: District Election Officer Sakshi Sawhney on Tuesday late night conducted surprise checking of the nakas laid by Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) in various areas of Ludhiana. 

A total of 126 Static surveillance teams (SST) have been rigorously conducting vehicle checking drive at the district intersections, main roads, and markets to keep vigil on the objectionable material including liquor or cash being carried in the vehicles. Special checkpoints had been set up by these teams to monitor any suspicious activity.

Sawhney said that nine static surveillance teams were assigned for each assembly constituency of Ludhiana and these teams were responsible for assisting the Election Commission of India in the strict implementation of the Model Code of Conduct and these would remain operational till the completion of the elections. She said that instructions were given to check all small and big vehicles and if found anything suspicious, then take action for confiscation and inform the senior officials immediately. She said that these teams were headed by officers with executive magisterial powers and includes police officers and videographers to record their activities on a daily basis. 

The District Election Officer said that the teams had been tasked with ensuring that campaign expenditure is within limits, which include campaign materials above Rs 10,000 and any vehicle carrying cash above Rs 50,000. The teams had also been inspecting the items that could be used as bribes to voters such as illegal liquor, weapons and other dubious activities. She also said that information about cash of more than Rs 10 lakh should be immediately reported to the Income Tax Department, information about drugs to the Narcotics Bureau, excise officials about liquor and GST on goods. 

Sawhney motivated the members of SSTs to perform their duty with utmost dedication to ensure elections were held in a free and fair manner.