Significant Cash Seizures in West Bengal Ahead of Assembly Elections
Major Cash Recoveries in West Bengal
Kolkata, March 19: In the lead-up to the critical two-phase Assembly elections scheduled next month in West Bengal, state police have reported substantial cash recoveries at two separate locations within a 12-hour timeframe, as confirmed by police officials on Thursday.
The first location is Baruipur, situated in the South 24 Parganas district of South Bengal, while the second is in the tribal-heavy Alipurduar district.
In anticipation of potential illegal cash usage to influence voters, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed 294 general observers for the state. This makes West Bengal unique among the five states and Union Territories preparing for elections, as it has one observer for each of its 294 Assembly constituencies.
Additionally, the ECI has designated 188 police observers, the highest number among the five states, along with 100 expenditure observers, which is the second-highest count.
In Baruipur, police apprehended a motorcyclist during a routine checkpoint in the Joytala area, recovering approximately nine lakh rupees from him. The suspect, identified as Samad Ali Sardar, is reported to be from the Tilpi area under the jurisdiction of Joynagar Police Station.
According to police reports, the motorcyclist raised suspicion during a search operation. Upon stopping him and inspecting his motorcycle, officers discovered a bag containing nine lakh rupees. The suspect was reportedly traveling from Tilpi to Kurali. An investigation is underway to trace the origin of the funds, and the individual is currently being interrogated.
In Alipurduar, police received a tip-off about a couple staying at a hotel near Chowpati crossing, suspected of holding a large sum of cash.
The couple, from Chirang in Assam, had checked into the hotel on Tuesday and left the following day in their private vehicle. Acting on the information, officers from the Anti-Corruption Branch intercepted their vehicle shortly after. A search revealed Rs 275,000 in cash.
The vehicle, registered in Assam, was claimed by a businessman from the state. During questioning, the couple stated they traveled from Chirang to Alipurduar for leisure. However, investigators are scrutinizing the cash recovery closely due to the election context, as they have yet to receive a satisfactory explanation regarding the funds' source.
The police are actively working to determine the origins of the cash. Should it be found that the money was intended for electoral purposes, appropriate legal actions will be initiated.