PANJIM: In the run up to the Lok Sabha elections to be held in the state next month, the enforcement agencies have seized cash, drugs, liquor and other items like freebies to be distributed during the election campaign worth around Rs 24.41 crore.
According to an official state, the seizures have been made during the period of a month starting from March 1, 2024.
“As per the seizure report submitted by Enforcement Agency in state of Goa from March 1, 2024, to April 5, 2024, Rs 15.62 crore, 66,620.13 litres of liquor worth Rs 88 lakh, drugs worth Rs 26 crore besides liquor, drugs, freebies, all worth Rs 24.42 crore have been seized,” an official statement has said.
CEO expresses concern over extortion issue
PANJIM: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ramesh Verma, IAS expressed grave concern over the recent incident involving government employees on poll duty allegedly extorting money from a businessman under the guise of income tax officials. He feared that such actions undermine the integrity of the electoral process and erode public trust.
Verma reiterating the stringent directives by Election Office to law enforcement agencies like Excise Department and Police officials to take decisive action against such misconduct, underscored the importance of upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism among all officials involved in election process.
The CEO highlighted the exemplary dedication of most of the officials on duty. He commended their efforts in upholding the principles of democracy and urged them to remain vigilant against any malpractice or misconduct. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has meticulously planned and executed various initiatives to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process which includes extensive voter education campaigns, deployment of various law enforcement agencies and the establishment of robust security measures in the State.
Verma directed all law enforcement agencies to intensify their vigilance and enforcement efforts to prevent any further instances of fraud or corruption during the election period. The law enforcement agencies are also instructed to enforce the prohibition of the distribution of illicit substances, bribery, intimidation, or any other activities that may undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
The CEO has urged all citizens to actively participate in the electoral process by exercising their democratic right to vote responsibly and peacefully. For any queries or assistance regarding the electoral process, citizens are encouraged to contact control rooms number 1950 or visit the official website https://ngsp.eci.gov.in/ for relevant information and resources.
Verma called upon the government officials to refrain from political activity including propagating political party agenda on social media platforms.
