Seizures worth Rs 148 crore made in 3 poll-bound Northeast states

 NEW DELHI: A record seizure of cash, liquor, drugs, and precious metals worth Rs 147.84 crore has been made from the three poll-bound states of Tripura, Nagaland, and Meghalaya, according to a statement by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday.

The ECI’s thrust on ‘inducement-free’ elections has led to sustained efforts for monitoring election expenditure in the three poll-going states. The record turnout in the three states marks a significant increase of over 20 times as compared to the last assembly elections in 2018, the poll body said in a statement.

“Big Operations” include the seizure of 3.52 kg of heroin in the Dhalai district, amounting to Rs 10.58 crore. Seizures of heroin were also reported from the East Khasi Hills District in Meghalaya (2.447 kg) and from the Chumoukedima District in Nagaland (2.27 kg), done by DRI,” it said.

During visits to these poll-going states, the Election Commission had exhaustively reviewed the preparations with the Central and State enforcement agencies.

While announcing the Assembly Elections in these northeastern states, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar stressed the increased vigilance and zero tolerance for the distribution of inducements during the electoral process.

Voters in Tripura are today exercised their franchise in the Assembly elections.

The counting of votes will take place on March 2, coinciding with the dates of the Meghalaya and Nagaland Assembly poll results.

Tripura is the first state to go to the polls this year. While polling for the Nagaland and Meghalaya assemblies will be held on February 27, five more states face elections this year in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. (ANI)

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