The flying squads and Static Surveillance Team (SST), a newly floated surveillance network under State Election Commission have seized Rs 1.25 crore in cash while launching a checking drive of vehicles ahead of the forthcoming State Assembly elections due November 25 this year.
The teams are taking action against those illegal possessions of cash, liquor or gold or silver ornaments since the promulgation of model code of conduct by the Election Commission of India.
During last 24 hours, the flying squads have seized Rs 2.60 lakh, totally Rs 19.63 lakh in last 13 days. Meanwhile, the SST has also seized Rs 1.05 crore so far including the seized Rs 72,500 over the last 24 hours.
The flying squads deployed in Vidhan Sabha constituencies have also seized various materials worth Rs 45,075 so far. The squads had received 45 complaints regarding cash and other materials and 58 FIRs were registered after investigating these complaints.
In its action, SST has seized Rs 27.10 lakh and registered 16 FIRs. The flying squads received 50 complaints regarding violation of model code of conduct. Action has been taken on all complaints.
It is noteworthy that on the directives of Election Commission, eight different teams have been constituted to monitor election expenses. These include election monitoring cell, video surveillance, video viewing, media monitoring, accounting, surveillance team for illegal cash, call centre and expenses monitoring control room.
All teams submit their reports to Assistant Expenses Observer. The commission has appealed to political parties to exercise self-restraint on election expenses. Political parties should also avoid cash transaction during electoral process. The commission has advised candidates/agents not to carry cash over Rs 50,000 in constituencies during election.