Now, defacement of public property to be caught 'live'

New Delhi, Apr 21, 2009: 'Catching them live'
is the mantra of Delhi Chief Electoral Officer to curb
defacement of public propery by supporters of Lok Sabha aspirants
who do not mind putting up poll banners or hoardings on
buildings during campaigning.
The Delhi Chief Electoral Office (CEO) has
deployed nearly 400 mobile teams which will catch on tape
supporters of the candidates while defacing buildings.
These teams, comprising video and still
photographers, representatives from the Chief Electoral Office,
MCD, NDMC and police officials, will keep an eye on the
violators.
"We have formed teams to capture offences in
camera. It is working in coordination with civic agencies.
Delhi Police are also providing all help to them. After
identifying the place and videography of the property, we ask
police to take necessary action," Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer
Satbir Silas Bedi told PTI.
These teams move around the city and gather
proof of property being spoiled by political party activists
and theirfans, she said.
According to official sources, on an average,
50-60 new cases of property defacement are being reported
every week.Authorities are also taking necessary action in
this regard.
Delhi Police have also launched a special
drive last month to nab those who are involved in spoiling
public and government properties.
Delhi Police have removed more than 2,400
hoardings,banners, posters and graffiti and registered 320
FIRs in this regard.
All cases were filed under the Delhi
Prevention of Defacement of Property Act 2007 (Delhi Act (1) of
2009),which came into effect in March.
Under the Act, unauthorised use of public
buildings and government property for publicity of candidates is
an offence.
A violator can get a jail term maximum one
year or a fine of Rs 50,000 or both under the Act.
The move came after authorities restricted
unauthorised use of public buildings and government properties
for publicity of candidates contesting the Lok Sabha
polls.
Polling across seven parliamentary seats in
Delhi will take place on May seven.
"We have already informed candidates and their
supporters not to use public property for campaigning. Our
personnel are keeping a vigil on such activities and taking
necessary actions against the offenders," Delhi Police
Spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said.
Recently, Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal
held a meeting with the representatives of political
parties to discuss various security and poll-related issues.
During the meeting he had asked all parties to avoid
unauthorised use of public property for campaigning, Bhagat said.