In the run-up to Maharashtra’s Assembly elections on November 20, police and Election Commission (EC) teams have seized cash worth Rs 7.3 crore and confiscated pressure cookers in Mumbai over the past two days. These seizures occurred across four separate incidents as authorities ramp up efforts to prevent election-related misconduct.
Since the announcement of the election, Maharashtra authorities have confiscated a total of Rs 280 crore, marking a sharp increase from previous elections. Cash seizures alone have amounted to Rs 73.11 crore while officials have also seized liquor worth Rs 37.98 crore, drugs worth Rs 37.76 crore and precious metals valued at Rs 90.53 crore. Ninety-one constituencies across the state have been identified as Expenditure Sensitive Constituencies (ESC) where the risk of inducements to voters is especially high.
One of the notable seizures took place on Thursday night in Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai where officials intercepted a vehicle carrying several pressure cookers. A poster of Vijay Choughule, an Independent candidate from the Airoli seat running under the “pressure cooker” election symbol, was found on the front seat. The EC is now investigating if Choughule had reported the expense of the pressure cookers to the authorities or if they were intended as giveaways for voters. An FIR will soon be filed at the Koparkhairane police station regarding this matter.
Another incident saw Mumbai police seize Rs 2.3 crore in cash from 12 people in Kalbadevi, South Mumbai. The individuals could not provide documentation or explain why they were carrying such a large amount.
In a separate case, Mira Bhayandar–Vasai Virar police intercepted an ATM van at a checkpoint on Wednesday. The van was carrying Rs 3.5 crore but the two people in the van could only account for Rs 40 lakh. They claimed the remaining cash was for private banks but due to insufficient documentation, the cash was seized.
Additionally, Rs 1.5 crore was confiscated from another vehicle on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway during a checkpoint inspection.
With the election code of conduct in place, EC surveillance teams are closely monitoring potential voter inducements, including cash, liquor and other items. If no one claims the seized cash, it will be handed over to Income Tax authorities.
These pre-election seizures highlight Maharashtra’s intensified efforts to get unethical votes and to ensure a fair election. The confiscated items reflect the high stakes and underline the importance of strict monitoring to maintain transparency and integrity during this election season.
