Assam CM orders probe into police bullet-proof vests' quality
Guwahati, May 6: Assam Additional Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna will head a probe ordered by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday into the alleged poor quality of bullet-proof vests used by police.
The Assam police has drawn severe criticism after Bordumsa police station incharge Bhaskar Kalita was killed in an encounter with the anti-talk faction of ULFA militants on Friday evening. Kalita was injured in his chest and abdomen even though he was wearing a bullet-proof vest.
"The allegations on quality of bullet-proof vests will be probed. I have already ordered an inquiry into the whole incident leading to death of Kalita. Kumar Sanjay Krishna will probe and submit a report to me," the Chief Minister said on Sunday.
Strongly condemning the killing of Kalita, he said that such incidents disturb peace, harmony and unity in society and seriously hamper developmental activities.
Reiterating his government's zero tolerance against terrorism, the Chief Minister also directed police to intensify operations against extremists.
An ex gratia of Rs 20 lakh will be given to the bereaved family, apart from the full salary every month till the time the police officer was slated to retire from service.
Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia said that it was learnt that a lot of bullet-proof vests like the one used by the slain officer were procured during 2011-13.
"We will have to check records and find out the truth. The Chief Minister has already ordered a probe, and things will be clear," Saikia said, adding that anti-terror operations had been intensified along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.
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Won't contest bypolls until EC prevents fake voting: Mayawati
Lucknow (PTI): BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday alleged irregularities in voting in the recent Uttar Pradesh bypolls and said her party will not contest by-elections in future, particularly in the state, "until Election Commission takes measures to prevent fake voting".
By-elections to nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh were held on November 20 and results of it were declared on Saturday. Bahujan Samaj Party contested all nine seats but failed to win any.
"In the bypolls held for nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, there is widespread discussion about the votes cast and the results announced yesterday. I am not saying this myself; it is a common perception among people that earlier, during elections conducted with ballot papers, fake votes were cast by misusing the system, often through fraud," Mayawati said in a press conference here.
"Now, similar practices are being carried out using EVMs, which is a matter of deep sorrow and concern for democracy," the former UP chief minister said.
Not only this, but these activities are now being executed more openly, especially during by-elections, as opposed to general elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, she claimed.
"We recently witnessed this in the Uttar Pradesh bypolls. Similar concerns have also been raised regarding the recent general elections in Maharashtra. This is a major warning bell for democracy in our country," she said.
"Given this situation, our party has decided that until the Election Commission of India takes strict measures to prevent fake voting, we will not participate in any by-elections across the country, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. I am specifically referring to by-elections here," Mayawati said.
As far as general elections are concerned, she continued, there is a somewhat better safeguard because the fear of power changing hands makes the ruling party more cautious.
"In general elections, it is not guaranteed that the party in power will return to power and another party may take over. This fear keeps the government machinery somewhat restrained," she added.
Considering all these factors, our party will contest general elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies with full preparation and strength, Mayawati stressed.
In the bypolls, the BJP and its ally RLD together won seven seats while Samajwadi Party candidates emerged victorious on two.
