Rs 2.95 cr seized across Assam since announcement of polls

The authorities have seized Rs 2.95 crore in cash and 4.33 lakh litres of liquor across Assam so far since announcement of the Assam Assembly elections.
"As a result of vigorous check, we have been able to seize cash worth Rs 2,95,47,834 and 4,33,417.76 litres of liquor till yesterday since the polling dates were announced on March 4," Additional Chief Electoral Officer of Assam Siddharth Singh told reporters here.
The authorities have also seized 5.5 kg of drugs during this period, he said.
The Election Department has identified a total of 34 expenditure sensitive constituencies and 401 expenditure sensitive pockets across the state, Singh said.

He said 396 flying squads have been formed across 126 constituencies for tracking illegal cash transactions and liquor distribution to influence voters.
"We have also set up 378 static surveillance teams in the state. Besides, 126 video surveillance teams, consisting one officer and one videographer, have been raised to cover important events like meetings, rallies and processions," Singh said.

A total of 46 expenditure observers have been deputed by the Election Commission to ensure that money does not play a role in influencing voters, he said.
Singh further said the Income Tax Department has formed six Air Intelligence Units at airports across Assam to check any inflow of illegal cash into the state.

Additional Chief Electoral Officer of Assam Nitin Kumar Shivdas Khade said 24,151 licensed arms have been deposited across the state as per procedure.
"Along with these, 86 illegal arms and 333 ammunitions have been seized by security forces. Altogether 1,445 persons have been identified as possible intimidates and actions have been taken against 1,208," he added.
Additional Chief Electoral Officer of Assam Adil Khan said the Election Department has so far received 640 complaints from the public.
"Most of these complaints are related to voter list. We have disposed off 595 cases and the rest are in the process. We have received 1,168 applications from political parties and candidates for various permissions and we have settled 1,026 requests," he added.