Bihar Election Seizure: ₹71.57 Cr in Cash, Liquor Recovered Ahead Polls
As Bihar gears up for a high-stakes assembly election, authorities have intensified enforcement across the state. In the process, they have seized a massive ₹71.57 crore in unaccounted cash, liquor, and other inducements meant to sway voters. This crackdown highlights ongoing efforts to ensure a free and fair electoral process.
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the seizure includes cash, illegal liquor, narcotics, gold, and other freebies. These items were allegedly being distributed to influence voters in various constituencies. The figure is expected to rise as further raids continue in the lead-up to polling.
The enforcement agencies—including the police, excise department, and income tax teams—are working under the direct supervision of the ECI. With model code of conduct in place, such activities are considered serious violations and may lead to criminal charges.
Election Commission Intensifies Monitoring Ahead of Bihar Assembly Polls
The Bihar election cash liquor seizure comes amid increasing surveillance. The Election Commission has deployed flying squads, video surveillance teams, and static monitoring units to curb election-time malpractice.
According to a statement from Chief Electoral Officer H.R. Srinivasa, over 300 flying squads and 250 surveillance teams are now active across all districts. Their primary role is to track suspicious movement of cash and goods. Additionally, border areas are being closely monitored to prevent smuggling of liquor and other prohibited items from neighbouring states.
In districts like Patna, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur, significant seizures have been reported. Notably, large quantities of foreign liquor were recovered in dry areas, where alcohol sales and consumption are officially banned.
Officials have also launched voter awareness campaigns, urging citizens to reject inducements and report violations through the CVIGIL mobile app. These steps aim to empower voters and create accountability.
A Deeper Issue: Money Power and Electoral Fairness
This latest Bihar election cash liquor seizure sheds light on a persistent problem: the use of black money and material gifts to influence voters. While crackdowns are more visible than ever before, the scale of seizures suggests that money power remains deeply embedded in the electoral process.
Moreover, despite Bihar’s status as a dry state, liquor remains a popular form of voter inducement—highlighting enforcement gaps. Activists and election observers argue that lasting reform will require stronger institutional checks, quicker legal proceedings, and greater voter awareness.
For now, the Election Commission says it will remain vigilant. With polling just weeks away, Bihar’s voters will soon decide whether transparency and clean campaigning will triumph over corruption and coercion.
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