Nine held under PASA

VADODARA, Sept 1: Nine persons have been detained under the Prevention of Anti Social Activities PASA Act in the Panchmahals district even as Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh asked the district administration to take back all weapons, including licensed ones, until the elections are over.

According to Panchmahals Additional District Magistrate Jignesh Patel all nine have been sent to jail. Two persons have been externed. As many as 193 cases of prohibition have been registered and bonds of 1,896 persons have been taken to ensure a free and fair election.

Lyngdoh, who held a meeting with top district officials on Tuesday, expressed hope that the polls will pass off peacefully. State Election Commissioner Balwant Singh and Panchmahals Collector A K Rakesh were also present at the meeting.

The Election Commissioner reviewed the arrangements made for trouble-free polling, beside looking into details about the sensitive booths. Lyngdoh instructed the officials to be careful not only during polling hours but also the time when the ballot boxes were taken to and from polling centres.