What is the Value of Seized Drugs and Liquor in Punjab's Bypoll?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Punjab Police seized over Rs 57.47 crore in illegal items.
- Continuous surveillance is being conducted to prevent smuggling.
- 192,838 voters are registered in the Tarn Taran constituency.
- The bypoll is set for November 11.
- Fifteen candidates are contesting for the seat.
Chandigarh, Nov 4 (NationPress) In the wake of the Model Code of Conduct implemented for the by-election in the Tarn Taran Assembly constituency, the Punjab Police, acting on the directives of the Election Commission, has confiscated drugs, liquor, cash, and other incentives totaling over Rs 57.47 crore.
Details reveal that from October 7, the commencement date of the Model Code of Conduct, until November 3, police in the Tarn Taran area seized 51,429.50 litres of liquor worth Rs 32,89,160, narcotics valued at Rs 56,67,10,500 (21,811.10 grams), cash amounting to Rs 9,73,480, and additional items valued at Rs 37,85,700.
Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C stated that police have been instructed to implement continuous surveillance with CCTV cameras at all checkpoints in the area to deter illegal smuggling activities.
He emphasized that stringent measures are being taken against individuals trying to sway voters through cash or any form of freebies during the election period.
According to the Chief Electoral Officer, there are 192,838 voters in the constituency, including 100,933 men, 91,897 women, and eight third-gender voters. The constituency also hosts 1,357 service voters, 1,657 voters over 85 years, 306 NRI voters, and 1,488 voters with disabilities. Notably, there are 3,333 young voters aged between 18 and 19 years.
There are 222 polling stations established across 114 locations, with 60 urban and 162 rural polling stations.
The Tarn Taran bypoll scheduled for November 11 was necessitated due to the passing of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal, who previously secured the seat with 52,935 votes, defeating Shiromani Akali Dal's Harmeet Singh Sandhu.
A total of 15 candidates are contesting, including Sukhwinder Kaur of the Shiromani Akali Dal, Harjit Singh Sandhu of the BJP, Harmeet Singh Sandhu of the Aam Aadmi Party, and Karanbir Singh from the Congress.