Election Commission Reports Seizures of Over ₹651 Crore in Poll-Bound States
Cash, liquor, drugs among freebies worth Rs 651 crore seized in four poll-bound states, UT: Election Commission
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
In the lead-up to the Assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory in India, authorities have seized cash, liquor, drugs, and other inducements valued at over ₹651 crore (approximately $78 million USD). The largest seizures occurred in West Bengal, totaling ₹319 crore, as the Election Commission aims to ensure fair elections.
- 01Total seizures exceed ₹651 crore across five regions.
- 02West Bengal accounts for the largest share of seizures at ₹319 crore.
- 03Election Commission deployed over 10,000 enforcement teams to ensure fair elections.
- 04Elections scheduled for April 9 and April 23, with results on May 4.
- 05District Grievance Committees established to address public concerns.
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The Election Commission of India reported that authorities have seized cash, liquor, drugs, and other inducements worth over ₹651.51 crore (approximately $78 million USD) in connection with the upcoming Assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory. The largest portion of these seizures, amounting to ₹319 crore, was reported in West Bengal, which included ₹11 crore in cash, 21.29 lakh litres of liquor valued at ₹55 crore, drugs worth ₹65 crore, and precious metals worth ₹39 crore. Other notable seizures included ₹170 crore in Tamil Nadu, ₹97 crore in Assam, ₹58 crore in Kerala, and ₹7 crore in Puducherry. To ensure a fair electoral process, the Election Commission has mobilized 5,173 flying squads and 5,200 static surveillance teams across these regions. The Commission has emphasized the importance of conducting these checks without causing inconvenience to ordinary citizens and has set up District Grievance Committees to address any complaints. The elections are set to take place on April 9 and April 23, with vote counting scheduled for May 4.
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These seizures aim to ensure a fair electoral process and discourage corruption, directly impacting voters' confidence in the elections.
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