EC seizes Rs 4,650 crore even before first phase of voting for Lok Sabha polls begins; highest ever
Ahead of Lok Sabha elections, the ECI said authorities under its supervision have been making seizures worth Rs 100 crore every day since March 1 in run up to the Lok Sabha elections.
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New Delhi, April 15: In a shocking development, the Election Commission (EC) on Monday said enforcement authorities have seized Rs 4,650 crore even before polling begins for the Lok Sabha elections. This is the "higher than total seizures" made in the 2019 General Elections, the EC said.
They have also registered 1,650 FIRs about the seizure of cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and freebies. The Excise Department has booked 2,086 heinous cases, 2,707 cases for breach of licence conditions, 123 NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act), and 13,833 cases under Section 15 (a) of Karnataka Excise Act 1965 and also 1,263 different types of vehicles have been seized.
Further, it added, "Use of black money, over and above political financing and accurate disclosure thereof, may disturb the level playing field in favour of more resourceful party or candidate in specific geographies".
Notably, Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. Results are expected to be announced on June 4.
The poll panel said authorities under its supervision have been making seizures worth Rs 100 crore every day since March 1 in run up to the Lok Sabha elections.
"With general elections 2024 underway, ECI is on track for the highest-ever seizures of inducements recorded in the 75-year history of Lok Sabha elections in the country. This marks a sharp increase over Rs 3475 crores seized during the entire Lok Sabha election in 2019. Significantly, 45% of the seizures are of drugs and narcotics, that are under the special focus of the Commission. The seizures have been possible by comprehensive planning, scaled up collaboration and unified deterrence action from agencies, proactive citizenparticipation and optimal engagement of technology," it said.
Rs 100 crore have been seized each day since 1st March, says Election Commission of India
— ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2024
Rs 4,650 crores seized even before polling begins, higher than total seizures in 2019 polls: ECI pic.twitter.com/KjcJjvw8WS
According to a statement issued by the office of Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer, since the model code of conduct came into force, the flying squads, static surveillance teams and police authorities have seized Rs 46.59 crore cash, liquor bottles worth over Rs 151 crore, narcotic substances worth Rs 9.93 crore, gold worth Rs 56.86 crore and freebies worth Rs 7.73 crore among other seizures.
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They have also registered 1,650 FIRs about the seizure of cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and freebies. The Excise Department has booked 2,086 heinous cases, 2,707 cases for breach of licence conditions, 123 NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act), and 13,833 cases under Section 15 (a) of Karnataka Excise Act 1965 and also 1,263 different types of vehicles have been seized.
Further, it added, "Use of black money, over and above political financing and accurate disclosure thereof, may disturb the level playing field in favour of more resourceful party or candidate in specific geographies".
Notably, Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. Results are expected to be announced on June 4.