The Election Commission of India has reported seizures worth ₹865 crore across Tamil Nadu and West Bengal since February 26, as authorities intensify efforts to prevent voter bribery and enforce the Model Code of Conduct ahead of the Assembly elections.
Introduction
New Delhi, April 17: The Election Commission of India on Thursday said enforcement teams have seized cash and illegal goods worth ₹865 crore in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in the run-up to the upcoming Assembly elections.
The seizures, made between February 26 and April 17, include cash, liquor, narcotics, precious metals and other materials suspected to be used as inducements for voters. The move is part of the Commission’s broader crackdown on electoral malpractice and attempts to ensure free and fair polling.
Key Highlights of the Seizures
According to official data released by the Commission, the combined seizures from both states include:
- ₹99 crore in cash
- Around 32 lakh litres of liquor worth ₹84 crore
- Drugs and narcotics valued at ₹174 crore
- Precious metals worth ₹159 crore
- Other goods valued at ₹350 crore
These recoveries were made after the Election-Seizure Management System (ESMS) became operational on February 26, enabling digital tracking and real-time reporting of enforcement actions.
State-Wise Breakup
West Bengal
In West Bengal, authorities reported total seizures of ₹427 crore, including:
- ₹21 crore in cash
- 31 lakh litres of liquor worth ₹81 crore
- Drugs worth ₹100 crore
- Precious metals worth ₹54 crore
- Other items worth ₹172 crore
Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, the total value of seizures stood slightly higher at ₹438 crore, comprising:
- ₹78 crore in cash
- Nearly 97,000 litres of liquor worth ₹3 crore
- Drugs worth ₹74 crore
- Precious metals worth ₹105 crore
- Other items worth ₹178 crore
Official Measures and Monitoring
The Election Commission said it has significantly expanded ground surveillance in both poll-bound states.
A total of 5,011 flying squad teams have been deployed, including 2,728 teams in West Bengal and 2,283 teams in Tamil Nadu. In addition, 5,363 static surveillance and inspection teams are operating across the two states.
These teams are responsible for:
- monitoring sensitive locations
- responding quickly to complaints
- intercepting illegal movement of cash, liquor, arms and other prohibited materials
- preventing attempts at vote-buying and voter intimidation
Why This Matters
Large-scale seizures ahead of elections are often seen as a key indicator of the Election Commission’s efforts to curb undue influence on voters.
Cash, liquor and valuable goods are commonly flagged as potential tools for voter inducement during election campaigns. By tightening surveillance and strengthening enforcement, the Commission aims to preserve a level playing field for candidates and reduce the risk of coercion or bribery.
Background: What is ESMS?
The Election-Seizure Management System (ESMS) is a digital platform introduced by the Election Commission to streamline seizure reporting during elections.
The system allows field teams to log recoveries in real time, improving transparency, central oversight and faster coordination between district-level officials and enforcement agencies.
Officials said the technology-driven monitoring framework is intended to make the election process more accountable and less vulnerable to malpractice.
Conclusion
With polling preparations underway in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, the Election Commission’s latest seizure figures highlight the scale of its enforcement drive.
Authorities are expected to continue intensified checks in the coming days as the election schedule progresses, with a focus on ensuring that voting takes place without fear, coercion or material inducements.
inputs and images : Hindustan samachar
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Edited By D.Rishidhar Reddy
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