In Rajasthan, the electoral scenery has witnessed a surge in confiscations totaling a staggering Rs 1000 crore since the onset of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in March, as divulged by officials from the Election Commission.
An assortment of contraband including narcotics, spirits, precious metals, giveaways, and illicit currency has been intercepted by the vigilant arms of law enforcement. From five districts alone, assets and funds exceeding Rs 40 crore have been impounded, with Jalore boasting the highest single seizure of Rs 67.83 crore.
The Chief Electoral Officer, Praveen Gupta, underscored the unwavering vigilance exercised by authorities to thwart any attempts at voter manipulation through the deployment of questionable means and monetary enticements. Gupta expounded, “According to multifarious reports furnished by disparate agencies, cash holdings to the tune of Rs 40 crore, narcotics valued at Rs 177.07 crore, alcoholic beverages exceeding Rs 45.82 crore in value, and precious metals such as gold and silver amounting to Rs 51.39 crore have been confiscated since March. Furthermore, assorted items worth Rs 666.90 crore and giveaways amounting to Rs 90 lakh have also been reclaimed.”
The seizures have been orchestrated through collaborative efforts spanning the state police, excise department, narcotics bureau, and income tax authorities.
Post the voting phase, state police unearthed eight illicit firearms and 21 rounds of ammunition on Sunday. A cumulative total of 1,394 unlawful firearms have been confiscated hitherto, alongside 2,646 rounds of ammunition, 4,161 kilograms of explosive materials, and the dismantling of seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Simultaneously, crackdowns have been executed targeting clandestine arms production facilities.
As per a dossier submitted by the Rajasthan Police headquarters to the Election Commission, close to 1.99 lakh individuals have come under scrutiny owing to their involvement in nefarious activities. The dossier delineates that 64,089 individuals have been indicted under various sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure, with 17 individuals facing charges under statutes including the National Security Act (NSA).
