In a concerted effort to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, enforcement agencies in Punjab have undertaken rigorous operations, leading to the seizure of Cash, Liquor, Drugs, Precious metals, and Freebies valued at Rs 609.38 crore since March 1 to till date.
Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C disclosed that the seizures, since March 1, include cash amounting to Rs 11.2 crores, 27.95 lakh liters of liquor valued at Rs 18 crores, Drugs valued at Rs 563.53 crores, Precious metals totaling Rs 14.94 crores, and freebies valued at Rs 1.69 crores, summing up to Rs 609.38 crores.
Punjab ranks 4th Nationally in terms of seizures made, while Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Rajasthan ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively.
He informed that 24 enforcement agencies are actively operating in the state. Since enforcement of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) on March 16 till date, total seizure by all agencies valued at 514.81 crores.
Punjab police has made highest seizures in the state amounting to Rs 404.2 crores, followed by the Border Security Force Rs 23 crores, Income Tax Department Rs 9.28 crores, State Excise Department Rs 8.29 crores, State Goods and Service Tax Department Rs 5 crores, Customs Department Rs 4.37 crores, and Narcotics Control Bureau Rs 2.54 crores, the CEO said.
He reaffirmed the unified dedication of the Electoral staff to ensure fair and peaceful elections in the state, in alignment with the directives of the Election Commission of India. Emphasizing the critical significance of integrity and transparency throughout the Electoral process, Sibin recognized the unwavering diligence of all involved personnel, who remain resolute in their pledge to uphold democratic principles and maintain the electorate’s trust.
