₹181 crore in cash, liquor and drugs seized as poll monitoring tightens in Bengal

Authorities in West Bengal have seized cash, liquor, drugs and other items worth more than ₹181 crore as enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) intensifies ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The large-scale seizures come amid heightened surveillance across all 294 constituencies in the state to prevent illegal inducements and ensure a fair electoral process.

Officials said multiple enforcement agencies have been conducting extensive checks on the movement of cash, liquor and narcotics since the MCC came into effect. According to election authorities, the cumulative seizures reached about ₹181.31 crore by March 22, reflecting strict monitoring measures implemented across the state.

To strengthen surveillance, more than 1,800 Flying Squad Teams and over 2,200 Static Surveillance Teams have been deployed across districts. These teams are tasked with responding to complaints, monitoring suspicious activity and preventing the illegal transportation of money and other materials that could influence voters.

Authorities have also carried out drives against unauthorised political advertisements and defacement of public and private property, removing more than three lakh such instances across the state. Officials stated that strict vigilance is being maintained to ensure the Model Code of Conduct is implemented in “letter and spirit” as the election dates approach.