Over 50 lakh seized in pre-poll raids

BHUBANESWAR: Flying squads have seized huge amount of unaccounted cash from different places in the state. The money was allegedly meant for distribution among voters ahead of first phase polls indicating use of money power and illegal inducement during campaigning.
In Ganjam district, where chief minister Naveen Patnaik is in fray, flying squads seized over Rs 50 lakh in two different during pre-poll raids on Wednesday.
Unaccounted cash of Rs 46,49,860 was seized from the house of S Era Swamy of Pitatali village under Golanthara police limits in Chikiti assembly segment on Tuesday. Woman and child development minister Usha Devi is contesting from this constituency.
The squad seized around Rs 4 lakh from a person at the Panthanivash in Rambha on Wednesday. CPM candidate for Berhampur Lok Sabha seat Ali Kishore Patnaik had moved the election observer about the distribution of money by some supporters of the ruling party at Panthanivas.
Three persons, supposed to be BJD supportes, were arrested for carrying unaccounted cash of Rs 1.40 lakh in Barpali on Wednesday. Campaign materials were also seized from them and vehicle impounded. The arrested are Rabi Das, Manoj Lath and Pintu Sharma. Barpali is part of Bijepur assembly segment from where finance minister Prasanna Acharya is contesting.
But Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mona Sharma said only Rs 15, 81, 690 was seized in the state from the date of announcement till now. "Apart from flying squads and static surveillance teams, police and income tax teams are patrolling to curb distribution of money among voters. We urge the public to inform us on our toll free numbers about any suspicion cash dealing during elections," said Sharma.
The night before polling day is important as large-scale distribution of money and liquor to voters will be carried out. The income tax department has created a control room and complaint monitoring cell at its office here to curb use of black money and illegal inducements.
Official sources said over 1,01,722 litres of illegal liquor and 7.45 kg drugs seized before polling from different parts of the state. "The excise department has arrested 1,272 persons and filed 1,578 cases. The seizure is three to four times more than the previous elections," Sharma added. The excise department has opened another toll free number for people to inform about liquor distribution, if any, during the elections.
Besides, a total 180 arms and ammunition were seized by police from date of announcement of polls while 5,973 licensed arms were deposited with police. Police have so far arrested 21,726 persons under preventive sections and NBWs were issued against 3,939 persons, official sources said.