Bengal Polls: Seizures worth ?327 crore highlight strict election monitoring

Kolkata — The Election Commission of India (ECI) has reported massive enforcement action ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, with illegal and unauthorised items worth ?327.44 crore seized between February 26 and April 6.

According to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in West Bengal, the crackdown covered a wide range of items. Cash seizures stood at ?11.01 crore, while illegal liquor worth ?57.71 crore was confiscated. Authorities also seized drugs and narcotics valued at ?67.35 crore.

In addition, precious metals worth ?38.55 crore were recovered, and freebies or other inducements accounted for the largest chunk at ?162.80 crore.

Security forces also acted against illegal arms and explosives. A total of 251 unlicensed weapons and 401 cartridges were seized. Explosives weighing 127.7 kg and as many as 887 bombs were also recovered during the same period.

Alongside seizures, officials have intensified drives to remove unauthorised political advertisements. The CEO’s office confirmed that defacement of public properties has been cleared across districts, with local authorities certifying compliance.

The ECI reiterated its commitment to conducting free and fair elections across all 294 Assembly constituencies. With polling scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, authorities are closely monitoring adherence to the Model Code of Conduct and ensuring adequate deployment of Central Armed Police Forces.

The large-scale seizures underline heightened vigilance as the state heads into a crucial electoral contest.

With inputs from IANS