Kolkata, March 19 (NationPress) As the critical two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal approach next month, significant amounts of cash have been seized by state police at two different sites within the last 12 hours, authorities reported on Thursday.

One site is located in Baruipur, within the South 24 Parganas district in South Bengal, while the other is in the tribal-rich Alipurduar district.

With concerns about the potential use of illicit cash to influence voters in the upcoming elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has designated 294 general observers for the state. This makes West Bengal unique among the five states and Union Territories preparing for elections, as it will have one general observer assigned to each of its 294 Assembly constituencies.

In addition, the ECI has appointed 188 police observers, the highest number among these five electoral regions, along with 100 expenditure observers, which is the second-highest.

In Baruipur, a motorcyclist was stopped during a routine inspection at a checkpoint in the Joytala area, where police found nearly nine lakh rupees in his possession. The individual has been identified as Samad Ali Sardar, a resident of the Tilpi area under Joynagar Police Station.

According to police reports, a routine search was taking place in Joytala when the motorcyclist raised suspicion. Upon stopping him and searching his motorcycle, officers uncovered nine lakh rupees hidden in a bag. The motorcyclist was reportedly traveling from Tilpi to Kurali. An investigation has been initiated to trace the origin of the cash, and the suspect is currently undergoing interrogation.

In Alipurduar, located in northern Bengal, local police received tips about a couple staying at a hotel near Chowpati crossing who were allegedly carrying a large sum of cash.

It was discovered that the couple, originating from Chirang in Assam, had checked into the hotel on Tuesday. After leaving the hotel in their personal vehicle on Wednesday, police from the Anti-Corruption Branch intercepted them shortly thereafter. Reports indicate that Rs 275,000 in cash was recovered from their vehicle.

The vehicle, registered in Assam, was owned by an individual claiming to be a businessman. When questioned, the couple stated they had traveled from Chirang to Alipurduar for leisure.

However, investigators are scrutinizing the cash recovery closely due to the current electoral climate, noting that a satisfactory explanation of the funds has yet to be provided by the couple.

The police are actively working to determine the source of the money. Should it be ascertained that the cash was intended for use in the elections, appropriate legal actions will be pursued.