Bihar elections: Authorities confiscate Rs 64 crore in cash, liquor, and narcotics
Patna: Enforcement agencies in Bihar have intensified checks ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, seizing a combined total of Rs 64.13 crore in liquor, cash, drugs, and freebies since October 6, officials said on Monday.
Liquor worth Rs 23.41 crore was confiscated across the dry state, alongside freebies valued at Rs 14 crore, narcotics and psychotropic substances worth Rs 16.88 crore, and Rs 4.19 crore in cash. In addition, authorities have arrested 753 people and executed 13,587 non-bailable warrants during this period.
ECI holding a meeting with Heads of Enforcement Agencies/Forces to combat the movement of cash, liquor, drugs, and other inducements during Bihar Elections#BiharElections2025 #ECI pic.twitter.com/M53jhDxQ9J
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) October 17, 2025
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed state police, excise, income tax, customs, revenue intelligence, and enforcement directorates to maintain vigilance against the use of money power in the elections. Flying squads, surveillance teams, and video monitoring units are operating around the clock to prevent inducements to voters while ensuring inspections do not inconvenience the public.
The 243-member Bihar Assembly is set to go to polls in two phases on November 6 and 11, with counting scheduled for November 14. For election oversight, the ECI has deployed 121 general observers and 18 police observers for phase one, and 122 general observers with 20 police observers for phase two. Observers are tasked with monitoring polling stations and ensuring the implementation of voter convenience measures.
(With PTI inputs)