Election Commission seizes cash, liquor, jewellery worth Rs 34 crore in Amaravati for poll-code violation

VIJAYAWADA: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has seized a staggering Rs 34 crore in Amaravati since the announcement of the election schedule. Inspection teams have been instrumental in uncovering significant amounts of illegal assets, including Rs 11 crore in cash, Rs 7 crore worth liquor, and gold and silver jewelry valued at Rs 10 crore.

The enforcement efforts have led to the filing of 3,300 First Information Reports (FIRs) related to cash, liquor, and the seizure of vehicles involved in election malpractices. The EC has been inundated with complaints through the c-vigil app, with a total of 5,500 grievances registered following the release of the election schedule.

According to CEO Mukesh Kumar Meena, the ECI has resolved 3,040 issues pertaining to elections, with an additional 1,600 complaints lodged against hoardings and flexi materials breaching the electoral code. Notably, 107 complaints have been filed against matters being propagated in violation of the Election Code, underscoring the need for stringent enforcement measures.

Furthermore, the EC had received 43 complaints concerning unauthorised use of vehicles in election campaigns, highlighting the need for adherence to regulations. Specific grievances include 28 complaints related to religious propaganda, 29 complaints regarding the distribution of cash, and 17 complaints concerning the distribution of liquor, signaling a range of election-related malpractices being addressed by the authorities.