Election authorities in Meghalaya have seized cash, liquor, drugs and freebies worth Rs 35.38 crore ever since the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha election came into force.
This is as per figures provided today by the Election Commission regarding seizures made in all states and union territories of the country from March 1 to April 13.
According to the poll panel, cash of over Rs 50 lakh was seized in Meghalaya during this period.
Further, 42,655.42 litres of liquor worth Rs 66.95 lakh was seized across the State.
Drugs worth Rs 26.85 crore were also recovered by authorities till date.
Freebies and other items worth Rs 7.35 crore were also seized across the State.
All over the country, enforcement agencies have made a record seizure of over Rs 4650 crore before the first phase of polling for the Lok Sabha elections scheduled on April 19.
“This marks a sharp increase over Rs 3475 crore seized during the entire Lok Sabha election in 2019. Significantly, 45 per cent of the seizures are of drugs and narcotics that are under the special focus of the commission. The seizures have been possible by comprehensive planning, scaled up collaboration and unified deterrence action from agencies, proactive citizen participation and optimal engagement of technology,” the Election Commission said.
The poll panel also said that Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) bringing all enforcement agencies on one platform through use of technology is proving to be a game changer.
“With the introduction of technology in the monitoring process, ESMS, an ECI in-house developed portal is proving to be a catalyst. The portal facilitates digital trails and availability of seizure information at the click of a mouse enabling quick and timely reviews at all controlling levels,” the commission said.
It also said that the largest number of enforcement agencies both from Centre and states have been assembled for collaborative effort among agencies.
The commission also said that cVigil app has also reinforced the expenditure monitoring process through complaints directly from citizens on distribution of any type of inducements.
“Since announcement of the election schedule, a total of 3262 complaints have been received pertaining to distribution of cash, liquor and freebies,” it added.
