New Delhi, May 18: The Election Commission on Saturday apprised that material worth Rs 8,889 crore has been seized during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The largest share in the total seizures is of narcotics (45 percent).
The commission said in a release that the election-time seizure figure will soon cross Rs 9,000 crore. The Election Commission’s determined and concerted attack on money power and inducements in the ongoing elections has resulted in the seizure of Rs 8,889 crore by the agencies. The biggest share in the total seizures is of drugs at 45 percent which is Rs 3,958 crore.
The commission said surveillance against inducements, including drugs and psychotropic substances, has been increased. This has resulted in major seizure actions. The maximum recovery of drugs has been made in this. Seizures of drugs, alcohol, precious metals, free goods, cash affect elections to varying degrees, some flowing directly as inducements while others through low levels of money in circulation. Thus it has an adverse effect on linking the proceeds of illegal activities to political campaigns.
The Election Commission has laid special emphasis on the seizure of narcotics and psychotropic substances. Analysis of the data revealed that states and union territories which used to be transit areas are increasingly becoming consumption areas. Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, while addressing the nodal agencies during a review tour, had said, “Accurate intelligence by the agencies against drugs and narcotics to root out the role of dirty money of drug trade in elections. based collaborative efforts is the need of the hour.” This is important and holistic to save the youth and thus the future of the country.”
The commission said the contribution of drug seizures is Rs 3,958 crore which is 45 per cent of the total seizures. The Commission, led by CEC Rajeev Kumar along with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, held meetings with the DG, Narcotics Control Bureau to take analysis-based proactive action to ensure action by dedicated nodal officers of NCB. Similarly, active participation of DRI, Indian Coast Guard, State Police and other agencies was ensured during the ongoing elections. All these measures have led to significant recoveries in the two months following the announcement of the elections.
The Commission said that with the increasing intensity of campaigning in the last three phases, the ECI is keeping a close watch on attempts to influence voters through inducements and has directed the CEOs and enforcement agencies to increase surveillance. The campaign against drugs and other temptations will continue by the Commission. Gujarat ATS, NCB and Indian Coast Guard have seized three high-value drugs worth Rs 892 crore in a joint operation in just three days.
