Poll violations and clashes prompt police action across five Marathwada cities

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Marathwada's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Latur, Parbhani and Nanded Waghala municipal corporations witnessed a series of poll-related violations, clashes and preventive actions, with multiple FIRs and a non-cognisable offence (NC) registered by the police during the 24-hour period from Wednesday until polling day on Thursday.In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, tension was reported at the Bharat Nagar polling booth area on Thursday after three vehicles deployed for pick-and-drop of supporters of Shiv Sena district president Rajendra Janjal were completely damaged in stone pelting. Police sources said while the incident caused alarm among voters in the vicinity, an FIR is yet to be registered, as no formal complaint had been lodged until Thursday evening.The situation in the Naregaon area of the city remained tense following group clashes between supporters of two rival political parties on Wednesday. Acting swiftly, the police registered two FIRs against members of both groups. A route march was conducted throughout Thursday to deter any further escalation and reassure voters. Police commissioner Pravin Pawar said six accused were arrested in connection with the two FIRs. He added that the police are maintaining close vigil and would crack down on anyone found disrupting peace or posing a threat to law and order. The officer said the city police carried out drone patrolling to keep an eye on the sensitive booths across the city.In Latur, superintendent of police Amol Tambe said one person was booked after he was caught allegedly distributing sarees to women voters late on Wednesday while seeking votes for a candidate. The action followed a complaint by the static surveillance team (SST), and an FIR was registered at the Shivajinagar police station.The Jalna police also reported polling-day violations. Superintendent of police Ajay Kumar Bansal said a non-cognisable offence was registered after a person was caught casting a vote on behalf of someone else. The individual was detained for questioning, and further legal action will depend on the findings of the inquiry.In Parbhani, superintendent of police Ravindrasingh Pardeshi said one FIR was registered against a man for allegedly distributing money to influence voters. The police seized Rs 25,000 from the accused during the action, and the case is being investigated to ascertain whether others were involved.The Nanded Waghala police registered two separate FIRs during the same period. Superintendent of police Abinash Kumar said the first FIR was registered at the Nanded Rural police station against a person who was caught on video allegedly distributing money to influence voters. The second FIR was registered at the Vimantal police station after two candidates and their supporters got into a scuffle and abused each other during campaigning.The police across all five municipal corporations said they remained on high alert through the polling day, with intensified patrolling, route marches and surveillance teams deployed to ensure free and fair elections and to act swiftly against any violations.