Only Rs 2.6 cr in cash, liquor worth 68 lakh seized during poll process in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, April 18:

The Election Commission has seized a total of Rs 2.61 crore in cash and liquor worth Rs 68 lakh during the two phases of elections, informed Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Dr Mona Sharma at a press conference here.

Sharma said the flying squads and police have seized a total of Rs 2.61 crore cash on transit besides seizure of huge quantity of liquor during the elections.

She said about 600 complaints, mostly relating to hoardings on government buildings, advertisements on newspapers and distribution of money among the voters were received by them during the elections.

“Flying squads, Excise officials and Static Surveillance team conducted regular checks and raids to prevent electoral malpractice,” Dr Sharma claimed.

The CEO informed that the sealed EVMs have been kept amid tight security in 64 strong rooms in different parts of the state, under the surveillance of CCTVs and central armed police forces.

She also requested the candidates and their agents to keep a close vigil on the strong rooms.