Enforcement agencies seized over Rs 4,650 crore during elections so far: EC

“Significantly, 45% of the seizures comprised of drugs and narcotics, which are the primary focus of the Commission. Comprehensive planning, scaled up collaboration and unified deterrence action from agencies, proactive citizen participation and optimal engagement of technology made the seizures possible,” the EC said.

Of the total seizures, Rs.395.39 crore was in cash. Liquor estimated at Rs.489.31 crore, drugs worth Rs. 2068.85 crore, precious metals valued at Rs. 562.10 crore and other freebies amounting to Rs. 1,142.49 crore were also seized.

The EC said the increase in seizures was made possible due to the new Election Seizure Management System, which is an internal portal created by EC. A total of 6,398 district nodal officers of various agencies, 734 state nodal officers, 59,000 flying squads and static surveillance teams are using this portal. The portal was first used in the 2023 state assembly elections nad led to Rs.2,014.26 crore being seized, the EC said.

“Months prior to elections and more intensively from January 2024, senior officials from the Election Commission visited every State and Union territory to emphasize the importance of combating the influence of money in elections. Furthermore, districts were thoroughly reviewed, and discussions were held with Chief Secretaries, Directors General of Police (DGPs), and heads of enforcement agencies…” the EC said.

It added that in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections announcement in March, seizures of Rs.7,502 crore were made in January and February. “This brings total seizure to over Rs.12,000 crores so far with six weeks still left in the election period,” the EC said.

“At the beginning of the current elections, there were reports in the media about tourists undergoing unnecessary checks and hassles by ground-level teams. Taking this matter seriously, the Commission promptly issued an advisory to all Chief Electoral Officers regarding the need for a careful and courteous approach when inspecting tourists and citizens,” the EC said.

Total seizures: Rs. 4,650

Cash: Rs.395.39 crore

Liquor: 3.58 crore litres worth Rs.489.31 crore

Drugs: Rs.2,068.85 crore

Precious metals: Rs.562.10 crore

Freebies/other items: Rs.1,142.49 crore

Note: From March 1 to April 13

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