PANJIM: The North Goa District administration has identified nine sensitive polling stations at Santa Cruz and Calangute as sensitive and police security will be heightened at these on voting day. Also, habitual offenders and trouble makers have been warned against indulging in criminal activities.

District Magistrate Nila Mohanan said that 410 out of 573 persons with criminal background have signed a good behaviour bonds under Section 107 CrPC, whereas 62 have signed under Section 110 CrPC. “All serious cases are dealt with seriousness to ensure free and fair elections. Externment proceedings against criminals will begin as per the rules,” she added.  

Following clashes and slogan wars in Pernem, Porvorim and Vasco, the District Magistrate will allow only five persons, including the candidate, within 100 mtrs of the returning officers’ office at the time of filing nominations for the February 4 elections.

“We have directed that 100 mtrs distance be maintained from the office of the returning officer while filing nomination. At the same time, static teams and flying squads are keeping a close watch all through the nomination and campaign period,” Mohanan said on Tuesday. 

The instructions come a day after two incidents of violence were reported at Pernem and Porvorim involving supporters of MLAs and the opposition. 

Meanwhile, for the first time flying squads are video recording important political rallies and meetings even as strict vigil is being maintained to ensure there is no distribution of cash or gifts in any form to the voters. The District Magistrate and the Chief Electoral Office have joined hands with the Income Tax Department to carry out the task.