Poll vigil: ₹58 crore seized in Kerala amid ₹651 crore national crackdown

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has reported a massive crackdown on illicit inducements, seizing cash and goods worth ₹651.51 crore across five poll-bound states and union territories. The enforcement drive, which began with the activation of the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) on February 26, aims to curb the influence of money and illegal substances on voters ahead of the high-stakes assembly elections.

To ensure an inducement-free environment, the Commission has deployed a formidable surveillance network, including 5,173 flying squads and 5,200 static surveillance teams. Chief Secretaries, Chief Electoral Officers, and police chiefs have been issued strict directives to prevent any movement of illicit funds or goods intended to compromise the democratic process.

West Bengal has emerged as the state with the highest volume of seizures, totalling ₹319 crore. The state leads in the confiscation of freebies, valued at ₹150 crore, and liquor worth ₹55 crore. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu recorded the highest individual seizures of cash and narcotics, with authorities recovering ₹30 crore in liquid currency and drugs worth ₹67 crore, bringing its total seizure value to ₹170 crore. Other significant recoveries include ₹97 crore from Assam and ₹7 crore from Puducherry.

In Kerala, where polling is fast approaching, enforcement agencies have seized goods and cash totalling ₹58 crore. The primary concern in the state has been the influx of narcotics, with drugs worth ₹41 crore confiscated to date. Additional seizures in Kerala include ₹8 crore in cash, 64,862 litres of liquor (valued at ₹2 crore), ₹1 crore in precious metals and valuables, and ₹5 crore in various other freebies.