Bhubaneswar: The flying squads have seized over Rs 20 crore cash so far during raids at several places during Odisha Elections 2024, informed CEO Odisha.

Addressing a presser on preparedness for the fourth or final phase of elections in Odisha, CEO Nikunja Bihari Dhal said that the seizure amount of cash was less than Rs 2 crore in 2014 and 2019 elections, whereas the amount is more than Rs 20 crore in 2024 elections.

"There was a total seizure valued at Rs 20 crore in 2014, Rs 44.07 crore in 2019 and Rs 275 crore in 2024 elections in Odisha. Of total seizure items, Rs 1.89 crore cash was seized in 2014, Rs 1.17 crore cash in 2019 and Rs 20.08 crore cash was seized this election," the CEO said.

Similarly, the liquor seizure monetary value jumped from Rs 9.42 crore to Rs 40.75 crore in 2024 elections.

According to CEO Odisha data, while the value of liquor seized in 2014 was Rs 6.65 crore, liquor valued at Rs 9.42 crore was seized during 2019 elections. The liquor amounting to Rs 40.75 crore was seized during raids in 2024 elections.

Moreover, the flying squads have seized drugs and narcotics valued at Rs 78 crore in 2014 elections. While the banned contrabands valued at Rs 7.23 crore was seized in 2014, the drugs worth Rs 22.02 crore was seized in 2029 elections in Odisha.

"We have taken steps to ensure that the election is inducement free to the extent it is possible," Dhal said.