Jharkhand News: ₹1.25 Crore Seized Within 72 Hours of Election Announcement in Jharkhand

Ranchi, October 18, 2024: In a decisive move to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process, enforcement agencies have seized illegal assets worth ₹1.25 crore, including cash, drugs and other contraband, within 72 hours of the Jharkhand Assembly election announcement.

This was disclosed during a press conference held by Dr. Neha Arora, Additional Chief Electoral Officer of Jharkhand, who emphasized the continuous efforts to uphold election integrity.

Swift Action by Enforcement Agencies

Following the announcement of the state assembly elections, law enforcement and other regulatory agencies swiftly initiated operations to curb illegal activities that could potentially influence the election process.

In a span of just three days, the agencies managed to seize substantial amounts of illegal goods across multiple districts in Jharkhand. According to Dr. Neha Arora, this operation reflects the commitment to ensuring a “clean and fear-free” election environment.

Breakdown of Seized Assets

The seizures included a variety of items, ranging from cash to drugs and other contraband. The following are the key details:

The confiscated items were the result of coordinated efforts between the state police and other enforcement agencies, all of which have been placed on high alert to monitor and intercept any illegal activity that may attempt to disrupt the election process.

Statements from Election Authorities

During the press conference, Dr. Neha Arora highlighted the continuous operations and vigilance carried out by the authorities to maintain election integrity.

She stated, “The collaborative efforts of police, excise and other enforcement bodies have been crucial in these seizures. We are working tirelessly to ensure that no illegal activities take place during this critical period.”

K. Ravi Kumar, Chief Electoral Officer of Jharkhand, further reinforced the need for stringent measures to curb any attempts to sway voters through illicit means.

“Our objective for the 2024 Assembly Elections is to ensure that the process remains transparent and fair. Illegal cash flow, distribution of liquor and other forms of voter inducement will not be tolerated. Border areas have been fortified and strict surveillance measures are in place,” said K. Ravi Kumar.

Enhanced Surveillance and Preventive Measures

Authorities have implemented robust strategies to mitigate the risk of illegal activity, focusing particularly on border regions where the smuggling of illicit goods has been a concern in past elections. Security has been intensified at border checkpoints with the use of CCTV cameras and thorough inspection protocols.

The enforcement agencies have been instructed to carry out rigorous operations to intercept any illegal transfers, ensuring no attempts are made to bypass the stringent checks in place.

The Chief Electoral Officer emphasized, “All relevant departments, including police, customs, excise and commercial tax, are working in coordination to maintain a vigilant eye on all border regions. Our goal is to prevent any illegal substances or money from reaching voters and influencing their decisions.”

Monitoring Suspicious Transactions and Enforcing Compliance

A key aspect of the election integrity effort has been the monitoring of financial transactions. Authorities have directed the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to flag any suspicious bulk transactions. Banks have been instructed to report any unusual activities and freeze accounts that show evidence of illegal money flow.

These measures are expected to deter the circulation of unaccounted cash that could be used to bribe or coerce voters.

The directives also extend to other sectors, including transport, excise and the forest department, ensuring comprehensive surveillance.

Additionally, airport authorities have been placed on alert to scrutinize inbound and outbound cargo and luggage for any suspicious items.

Meeting with Senior Law Enforcement Officials

In a separate meeting focused on law and order, senior police officers were briefed on the importance of executing all outstanding warrants. The Chief Electoral Officer urged law enforcement to crack down on individuals with pending warrants to prevent them from engaging in illegal activities during the election period.

A.V. Homkar, the nodal officer for the election-related law enforcement activities, emphasized the importance of compliance with existing regulations, including the surrender of licensed weapons and strict action against violations of the Model Code of Conduct.

“We have seen incidents where illegal firearms are used to intimidate or manipulate voters. Ensuring compliance with the surrender of licensed arms is a priority,” said A.V. Homkar.

Coordinated Efforts Across Agencies

The enforcement efforts are not limited to local law enforcement. Agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Customs and Income Tax departments are also involved, providing a multi-layered approach to monitoring illegal activities.

Regular updates and inter-agency communications have been emphasized to ensure swift actions and transparent election proceedings.

Chief Electoral Officer K. Ravi Kumar added, “We are committed to ensuring that every eligible voter can exercise their right without fear or coercion. The seizures we have seen so far are a testament to our vigilance, and we will continue to maintain this standard throughout the election period.”

Conclusion: Ensuring a Fair and Transparent Election

As Jharkhand gears up for its Assembly elections, the proactive steps taken by enforcement agencies set a precedent for a fair and transparent voting process. With stringent measures in place and constant surveillance, authorities are determined to ensure that every vote cast reflects the genuine will of the people.

The prompt actions taken within the first 72 hours post-election announcement serve as a clear message to those attempting to undermine the democratic process.

The state election authorities remain resolute in their mission to safeguard the integrity of the elections, promising further action against any individuals or entities found violating electoral laws.