Kollam: Kollam district collector Devidas N said 42,470 vehicles have been inspected across constituencies as part of intensified surveillance for the assembly elections.Static surveillance teams, deployed to ensure a free and transparent poll process, began inspections soon after the election announcement. Temporary check posts have been set up on major roads and at district and inter-state borders. Officials said movement of illegal liquor, cash meant for bribery, weapons and other contraband is being closely monitored, along with the activities of anti-social elements. The squads are functioning round the clock.Among checkpoints, Kottukkad in Chavara recorded the highest number of inspections at 2,349 vehicles, followed by Nilamel in Chadayamangalam (2,217) and Mundakkal Papanasam in Eravipuram (2,198). Aryankavu inter-state border saw 1,967 inspections, while Achankovil recorded 522.Other major checkpoints include Kallumkadavu (1,965), Thattamala School Junction (1,936), Premier Junction (1,791), Palamuk (1,706), Padappanal (1,489), Kadampattukonam (1,400), Kottakavila (1,394), Ashram and Araayil (1,371 each), Enath (1,350), Parakkulam (1,307), Munrothuruth (1,233), Shakthikulangara (1,213) and Pavumba South (1,201). Several other checkpoints, including Venga, Anayadi, Kuzhumathikad, Valiyammuk and Ayirakuzhi, also reported significant inspections.A total of 33 surveillance teams has been deployed, with three teams assigned to each constituency. Each team is headed by a gazetted officer and vested with the powers of an executive magistrate during inspections.
