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

Synopsis
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.