Punjab Ranks 4th in Drug, Liquor, Cash Seizures Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls

As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach,enforcement agencies in Punjabhave been working diligently to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. Since March 1, 2024, these agencies have seized cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and freebies worth a staggering Rs. 609.38 crore, placing Punjab fourth nationally in terms of seizure amount.

Why this matters: The massive seizures of cash, liquor, and drugs in Punjab highlight the ongoing struggle to ensure fair and transparent elections in the country. The success of these efforts has a direct impact on the legitimacy of the electoral process and the stability of the democratic system.

The seizures include Rs. 11.2 crores in cash, 27.95 lakh liters of liquor valued at Rs. 18 crores, drugs worth Rs. 563.53 crores, precious metals totaling Rs. 14.94 crores, and freebies valued at Rs. 1.69 crores. Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Rajasthan rank ahead of Punjab in seizures.

A total of 24 enforcement agencies are actively operating in the state to curb the flow of illicit money and goods during the election period. The Punjab Police have made the highest seizures, amounting to Rs. 404.2 crores, followed by the Border Security Force at Rs. 23 crores and the Income Tax Department at Rs. 9.28 crores.

Other agencies contributing to the seizures include the State Excise Department (Rs. 8.29 crores), State Goods and Service Tax Department (Rs. 5 crores), Customs Department (Rs. 4.37 crores), and Narcotics Control Bureau (Rs. 2.54 crores). The collective efforts of these agencies aim to ensure fair and peaceful elections in the state.

Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C affirmed the commitment of the electoral staff, stating, "He reaffirmed the unified dedication of the Electoral staff to ensure fair and peaceful elections in the state, in alignment with the directives of the Election Commission of India."

The seizures have been made since the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) on March 16, 2024, with a total seizure value of Rs. 514.81 crores. Jalandhar district tops the list with seizures worth Rs. 141.25 crores, followed by Amritsar (Rs. 93.96 crores), Tarn Taran (Rs. 59.55 crores), Firozpur (Rs. 54.58 crores), and Fazilka (Rs. 42.1 crores).

As Punjab gears up for the polls on June 1, the massive seizures of cash, liquor, drugs, and other items serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in maintainingelectoral integrity. The coordinated efforts of enforcement agencies and the dedication of electoral staff are crucial in ensuring a fair and transparent democratic process in the state.

Key Takeaways

• Punjab enforcement agencies seize Rs. 609.38 crore in cash, liquor, drugs, and more ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
• Punjab ranks 4th nationally in seizure amount, with Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Rajasthan ahead.
• 24 agencies, including Punjab Police and Income Tax Department, contribute to seizures.
• Jalandhar district tops list with Rs. 141.25 crore in seizures, followed by Amritsar and others.
• Seizures aim to ensure fair and peaceful elections in Punjab, with polls set for June 1.