Mumbai, November 10, 2024 — In a significant operation ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections on November 20, Mumbai Police have seized Rs 2.3 crore in unaccounted cash and detained 12 people at Kalbadevi in south Mumbai. This move comes as the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct is in effect, which mandates strict surveillance to prevent illegal activities and electoral malpractice.
Based on an intelligence tip-off, a team from Lokmanya Tilak Marg Police Station, in coordination with election officials, intercepted a group of people in Kalbadevi on Thursday night. After a thorough search, officers discovered Rs 2.3 crore in cash with the individuals, who were unable to present any documentation justifying the large sum or explain why they were carrying such an amount, according to a police official.
The operation is part of an intensified effort by police and election surveillance teams to curb the use of cash, liquor, and other inducements to sway voters during the election period. Authorities have heightened vigilance across Maharashtra to ensure a fair electoral process and prevent any attempts at bribery or manipulation.
“Since the Model Code of Conduct is in effect, we are under instructions from the Election Commission to closely monitor movement and check for illegal cash, liquor, and other items that could be used to influence voters,” the official said. “This operation is part of a larger initiative to maintain transparency and fairness in the election process.”
The apprehended individuals were detained for questioning, with the investigation continuing into the early hours of Friday. Police officials documented the seizure thoroughly, filling out required paperwork and conducting in-depth interrogations of those in possession of the money. After completing preliminary procedures, authorities transferred the cash to the Income Tax Department for further investigation.
The Election Commission has empowered various surveillance teams and Flying Squads across the state to ensure compliance with the Model Code. These teams conduct random checks on highways, roads, and other locations suspected of potential illegal activity, often setting up checkpoints and conducting vehicle searches. The aim is to prevent cash and valuables from being used as tools for electoral corruption and to promote a transparent voting environment.
This recent seizure highlights the strict vigilance in place as election day approaches. Police and enforcement agencies are working around the clock, conducting routine and targeted operations to thwart attempts to undermine the democratic process. The Lokmanya Tilak Marg police have further enhanced security measures in key areas, especially those with high electoral significance.
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The Election Commission has also been actively encouraging citizens to report any suspicious activities related to cash, liquor distribution, or other forms of inducements. Additionally, toll-free helplines and online portals have been set up for citizens to report any instances of electoral misconduct, which the authorities will investigate promptly.
The Maharashtra Assembly elections are highly anticipated, and both the ruling coalition and the opposition have been conducting vigorous campaigns. With tensions rising as election day nears, the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct has become crucial in ensuring a free and fair electoral process. The seizure of Rs 2.3 crore in cash highlights the dedication of law enforcement agencies to uphold the integrity of the election, a sentiment echoed by political parties across the spectrum.
In the past, large sums of unaccounted cash have been seized during election periods, often used as inducements to influence voter preferences. The Election Commission has repeatedly warned that such acts are punishable offenses and has called on law enforcement agencies to enforce strict action.
The detained individuals will face further investigation to determine the origins of the cash and whether it was intended to be used for electoral purposes. If any political or organizational ties are uncovered, those involved could face serious consequences, including arrest and fines, under election laws.
This high-stakes environment underscores the importance of vigilance, transparency, and accountability in the electoral process. The police operation in Kalbadevi serves as a reminder of the active role law enforcement is playing in this election season. As election day draws closer, the Election Commission and police agencies have vowed to maintain this level of scrutiny to ensure a lawful and fair voting process for the people of Maharashtra.
