EC, police step up drive to curb transfer of cash, liquor and weapons in Maharashtra

So far more than Rs 2 crore in cash and few thousand litres of liquor have been seized in various districts

As the Maharashtra Assembly elections, slated for October 15, are fast approaching, the Election Commission (EC) and state police have stepped up a drive to curb transfer of cash, liquor and weapons through public and private vehicles.

Flying squads and surveillance teams have been formed in all 288 constituencies to check on expenditure incurred by candidates during campaigning. Police have set up additional check posts in order to strengthen security in the state.

So far, Rs 2 crore in cash and a few thousand litres of liquor have been seized in various districts. Parties and candidates are making efforts to avoid action by the state election machinery and the police. Top leaders of the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena have instructed their leaders and rank-n-file not to transport cash, liquor and weapons. Instead, they have been asked to step up voters’ reach-out programme. These parties are taking extra precaution to avoid any action from the EC or police.

Sitaram Ghandat, an independent legislator contesting from Gangakhed taluka in Parbhani district, was arrested last week for allegedly distributing money to voters. The police seized Rs 27,000 from Ghandat’s supporters and arrested four of them. Ghandat, who was arrested on October 2, was released on bail on Sunday.

The police also arrested a few supporters of another candidate, Ratnakar Gute, while he was allegedly distributing money among voters to seek their support.

In yet another incident, the police raided the office of a BJP candidate.

State joint chief electoral officer Neelesh R Gatne told Business Standard: “Flying squads comprising three personnel each have been set up in all 288 constituencies. In addition to this, static surveillance teams have also been put in action. Officials from the election department and police have been working in close coordination across the state. Daily report is sent to the Election Commission.”