New Delhi, April 27: The Election Commission’s flying squads and security agencies have seized cash, liquor, and other items worth ₹510.10 crore in West Bengal ahead of the assembly elections. The second and final phase of voting is scheduled for April 29.
An official statement revealed that the value of seized items surpassed ₹339 crore by Monday, exceeding the total confiscations made during the 2021 assembly elections.
Since the announcement of elections on March 15, the commission has confiscated ₹30 crore in cash, ₹126.85 crore in liquor, ₹110.12 crore in drugs, ₹58.28 crore in precious metals, and ₹184.85 crore in other free items.
The Election Commission has deployed over 2,728 flying squad teams across the state to address complaints within 100 minutes. Additionally, more than 3,142 static surveillance teams are conducting surprise inspections at various locations.
Special operations are underway against the illegal production, storage, and distribution of alcohol. To ensure strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct, the commission launched an electronic seizure management system on February 26.
In preparation for voting in 142 assembly constituencies on April 29, the Election Commission has decided to enhance monitoring systems. CCTV surveillance will now cover roads leading to sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling stations.
In the first phase, two CCTVs were installed at polling stations—one inside and one outside. However, there were reports of voter intimidation outside polling stations. This time, additional CCTVs will be placed outside and along the access routes to polling centers.
The number of CCTVs will be determined based on the sensitivity of each polling station.
Results for the 294 seats in the West Bengal assembly will be announced on May 4.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
Leave a Comment