The Election Commission (EC) has seized Rs 1.31 crore in cash and liquor worth Rs 48.65 lakh in the State so far.The EC teams have also seized 24 four-wheelers and four two-wheelers for illegally transporting money and liquor bottles.
“liquor and cash are major items among the seizures. We are taking action against those involved as per law,” Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mona Sharma told reporters here. Sources said as many as 1,400 were arrested across the State on charges of disbursement of cash and illegal inducements during the campaigning.
The EC teams conducted raids at around 4,500 places in the State.Notably, in its effort to curb the use of black money and illegal funds in the elections, the EC has deployed flying squads, static surveillance teams and police in all lok Sabha and Assembly seats in the State.
Meanwhile, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has recommended the EC to conduct re-polling at 22 booths, where election process was disrupted for different reasons during the first-phase poll held on April 10.
“We have recommended the EC to conduct re-polling at 22 booths including 16 in Nabarangpur Parliamentary seat on April 17,” said Nodal Officer at Chief Electoral Officer’s office Naba Kumar Naik.