Bhubaneswar: A whopping Rs 270 crore worth of cash and various goods have been seized by different enforcement agencies in Odisha since March 1 till today. This is the first time in the State that such a huge amount of money and other goods have been seized during the elections.
“Since March 1, a total of Rs 270 crore in cash and goods have been seized in the state by various enforcement agencies. It includes Rs 20.80 crore in cash, Rs 40.75 crore in liquor, Rs 77.99 crore in narcotics and drugs, Rs 14.74 crore in precious metals including gold and Rs 141.57 crore in free and other goods. It was meant to influence the voters,” informed Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nikunja Bihari Dhal addressing a presser here today.
Dhal added that this was possible due to stringent enforcement and strict approach of the Election Commission.
“More than 15,000 complaints have been received through the ‘C-Vigil’ app since the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct in the state. These complaints have been verified and more than 11,000 (about 74%) allegations are true. Necessary action has been taken accordingly,” the CEO said.
Similarly, a total of 5,600 complaints have been received through the ‘C Vigil’ app for the fourth and final round of elections, he informed.
Dhal said that all the complaints have been investigated and about 80 percent of the complaints are true.