ECI seizes over Rs 651 cr in cash, liquor ahead of elections; here’s which state tops the list

New Delhi: Enforcement teams and election flying squads have seized cash, liquor and various inducement items worth Rs 319 crore in West Bengal up to Sunday, an official confirmed.

Among the five states and Union Territories heading to the polls, West Bengal has reported the highest recoveries across multiple categories. These include freebies valued at Rs 150 crore, liquor worth Rs 55 crore, precious metals amounting to Rs 39 crore and cash totalling Rs 11 crore. Authorities suspect these items were intended to influence voters.

In addition, drugs estimated at Rs 65 crore have been confiscated in the state in the lead-up to the two-phase elections scheduled for April 23 and 29, according to a statement by the Election Commission of India.

Massive liquor seizures across states

Out of the 29.63 lakh litres of liquor seized across all five poll-bound regions, West Bengal accounts for the largest share with 21.29 lakh litres, the Commission noted.

Assam reports Rs 97 crore seizures

In Assam, flying squads and surveillance units have recovered cash worth Rs 4 crore ahead of the elections.

Besides cash, authorities have seized 6,84,627 litres of liquor valued at Rs 20 crore. The ECI further reported confiscation of drugs worth Rs 56 crore, precious metals valued at Rs 4 crore and other freebies amounting to Rs 13 crore in the state up to April 5.

The total value of seizures in Assam currently stands at Rs 97 crore.

Tamil Nadu and Kerala seizures

In Tamil Nadu, the total value of seized items has reached Rs 170 crore. This includes drugs worth Rs 67 crore, other freebies valued at Rs 63 crore, cash amounting to Rs 30 crore, precious metals worth Rs 8 crore and liquor valued at Rs 2 crore.

Meanwhile, in Kerala, enforcement agencies have recovered inducement materials worth Rs 58 crore. The breakdown includes drugs worth Rs 41 crore, cash amounting to Rs 8 crore, other freebies valued at Rs 5 crore, liquor worth Rs 2 crore and precious metals estimated at Rs 1 crore.

Puducherry reports smaller recoveries

In Puducherry, the total seizures stand at Rs 7 crore. This includes precious metals worth Rs 6 crore, cash of Rs 20 lakh, liquor valued at Rs 30 lakh and other freebies worth Rs 1 lakh.

Total seizures cross Rs 651 crore

Across all five election-bound states and Union Territories, enforcement agencies have seized illegal cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals and inducements valued at more than Rs 651.5 crore.

Deployment to ensure free and fair polls

To maintain elections free from violence, intimidation and inducements, the Election Commission has deployed 5,173 flying squads across the regions. These teams are tasked with responding to complaints within 100 minutes.

In addition, more than 5,200 Static Surveillance Teams have been positioned to conduct surprise checks at various locations, the Commission added.

Agency inputs