Shadow Correspondent
Poonch, Sept 15:
In a major crackdown on electoral malpractices, the District Election Authorities (DEA), under the aegis of Vikas Kundal, District Election Officer (DEO) Poonch, has made significant seizures of cash, drugs, liquor, and kerosene across the district Poonch.
These measures are part of the ECI’s rigorous efforts to curb illegal methods used to influence voters during the ongoing Assembly elections. Additionally, the district police have carried out a large-scale destruction drive targeting cannabis plantations, marking another crucial step toward ensuring a free and fair electoral process.
During the operations, the DEA seized Rs. 2, 82,090 in cash, 12.28 grams of heroin worth Rs. 90,000, 261 bottles of liquor valued at Rs. 80,000, and 380 liters of kerosene and raw material worth Rs. 35,000.
In a separate operation, the Poonch District Police, in collaboration with Flying Squads (FSTs), conducted a destruction drive of cannabis plants at 43 locations in Surankote, Poonch, and Mendhar, resulting in the eradication of 342 kilograms of cannabis, valued at Rs. 23.4 lakhs.
Election Expenditure Observer for Poonch, Bharat Ramchandra Andhale, praised the proactive role of the police and election officials in curbing electoral fraud and ensuring transparency. Furthermore, strict vigilance is being maintained across the district to detect and prevent any attempts to use illegal means to sway voters.
With heightened monitoring of suspicious activities and swift action from law enforcement agencies, the goal remains to conduct free, fair, and impartial elections in Poonch, ensuring the public’s faith in the democratic process is upheld.
Consequent to the seizures and destruction drives, the Poonch District Police have registered cases under relevant sections of the law, including the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the Excise Act, and other applicable statutes.
The police have taken swift action, registering FIRs and arresting individuals involved in the illicit activities. Further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend other accused persons.
