What Measures Are Being Taken to Address Cash and Drug Seizures in Bihar Ahead of the State Elections?

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What Measures Are Being Taken to Address Cash and Drug Seizures in Bihar Ahead of the State Elections?

Synopsis

With Bihar elections approaching, authorities have seized over Rs 246 crore worth of illegal items, including cash and narcotics. This crackdown aims to ensure a fair voting process free from coercion and corruption.

Key Takeaways

  • Over Rs 246 crore worth of illegal items seized in Bihar.
  • Joint operations by multiple enforcement agencies.
  • Focus on ensuring a free and fair electoral process.
  • 556 individuals detained under various laws.
  • Voter integrity is being prioritized during the elections.

Patna, Oct 13 (NationPress) As the model code of conduct is now in effect for the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections, enforcement agencies statewide have ramped up their efforts to monitor and carry out operations against the unlawful distribution of money, liquor, narcotics, and other forms of inducements aimed at swaying voters.

Recent data from the Election Commission of India (ECI) indicates that items valued at Rs 246.23 crore were confiscated throughout Bihar just on Monday.

Among the seized items were Rs 7.7 lakh in cash, Rs 130.64 lakh in liquor, Rs 68.6 lakh in narcotics, Rs 20 lakh in precious metals, and Rs 39 lakh in freebies and other materials.

Since the implementation of the model code of conduct, enforcement agencies have collectively seized Rs 78 lakh in cash, Rs 1,201.1 lakh worth of liquor, Rs 442 lakh in narcotics, Rs 278.80 crore in precious metals, and Rs 514.1 lakh worth of freebies and additional items.

To facilitate a free, fair, and transparent electoral process, a collaborative initiative is underway involving the district Administration, Police, Excise Department, Income Tax Department, Narcotics Control Bureau, Customs, and Chief Minister Flying Squad teams.

Stringent actions are being enforced against anti-social and disruptive forces to sustain peace and order in the state.

Currently, a total of 2,60,211 preventive bonds have been executed, and 556 individuals have been detained under the National Security Act, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, and other relevant statutes.

The Chief Electoral Officer's office in Patna has instructed all district authorities to amplify surveillance, improve inter-agency collaboration, and ensure swift responses to every complaint.

An official from the Election Commission stated that the primary objective of these actions is to guarantee that voters in Bihar can exercise their voting rights freely, without any coercion or temptation.

The Election Commission has reported that no appeals have been lodged before the District Magistrate under Section 24(a) of the Representation of the People Act as of Monday, concerning the addition or deletion of names in the electoral rolls by the Electoral Registration Officer across all 243 Assembly constituencies during the special intensive revision in Bihar.

Point of View

It is essential to recognize the significance of enforcing electoral integrity. The actions taken by various enforcement agencies in Bihar illustrate a proactive approach to safeguarding the electoral process. Ensuring that voters can express their choices free from coercion is fundamental to democracy.
NationPress
14/10/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What items were seized during the operations in Bihar?
The enforcement agencies seized cash, liquor, narcotics, precious metals, and various freebies, amounting to over Rs 246 crore in total.
Why is the model code of conduct important?
The model code of conduct ensures that elections are conducted fairly and transparently, preventing illegal activities aimed at influencing voters.
How many individuals have been detained under relevant laws?
As of now, 556 individuals have been taken into custody under various acts, including the National Security Act.
What steps are being taken to maintain peace during the elections?
A joint campaign involving multiple enforcement agencies is underway to ensure peace and order during the electoral process.
What is the goal of these enforcement measures?
The primary goal is to allow voters in Bihar to exercise their right to vote freely, without facing any temptation or pressure.
Nation Press