West Bengal Elections 2024: EC’s Seizure of Rs 7 Crore Cash & Preparations for First Phase
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West Bengal Elections 2024: EC’s Cash Seizure & Security Measures for First Phase
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Election Commission’s Actions: Cash Seizure and Preparations for West Bengal Polls 2024
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Inside West Bengal’s Election Preparations: Cash Seizure and Central Force Deployments
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Countdown to West Bengal Polls: EC’s Cash Seizure and Strategic Deployments
Credit:The indian Express
In the 12 days following the announcement of Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission (EC) has reported a significant seizure of Rs 7 crore in cash from West Bengal. This development comes as preparations intensify for the first phase of elections scheduled for April 19.
Notably, the EC has identified six Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal as “financially sensitive” and has deployed central forces to three constituencies to ensure a smooth electoral process. Additional Chief Electoral Officer Arindam Neogi disclosed that along with the cash seizures, liquor valued at over Rs 30.96 crore has also been confiscated within this period.
The Election Commission’s efforts to curb illicit activities related to elections extend beyond cash seizures. According to official data, drugs worth Rs 15.33 crore, undocumented jewellery worth Rs 22.63 crore, and freebies valued at Rs 52.94 crore have also been seized since the announcement of elections.
The six identified “financially sensitive” Lok Sabha seats are Darjeeling, Asansol, Malda South, Bongaon, Kolkata North, and Kolkata South. These areas have been a focus of heightened vigilance due to their proximity to international borders with countries like Bangladesh and Nepal.
For the upcoming first phase of elections, central forces have been deployed in critical constituencies such as Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar to enhance confidence and security. The deployment of central forces across West Bengal totals 177 companies thus far, indicating a concerted effort to maintain law and order during the electoral process.
In addition to increased security measures, the Election Commission has appointed special observers, Alok Sinha and Anil Kumar Sharma, to oversee election proceedings in West Bengal. Their arrival in Kolkata is expected soon, further bolstering the EC’s supervision and management of the electoral process.
Meanwhile, the Income Tax department has also been active, conducting raids resulting in the seizure of Rs 58 lakh in cash from a trader’s office in Kolkata’s Chetla area after two days of operations.
These developments underscore the comprehensive efforts undertaken by authorities to ensure fair and transparent Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal amidst heightened scrutiny and vigilance.