Lok Sabha elections 2024: Crores seized in cash, booze bust in Mumbai suburbs

Rajendra Kshirsagar, district collector. Pic/Prasun Choudhari

In the Mumbai suburban district, authorities caught Rs 9.4 crore in cash and seized illegal liquor worth Rs 99 lakh. This was done by different government agencies and flying squads appointed for elections by the district election officer.

Rajendra Kshirsagar, the district collector and election officer, said, "Since the ECI announced election on March 16, code of conduct was implemented, we've intercepted Rs 9.4 crore in cash." He added, "Out of this, Rs 7.93 crore was caught by agencies like the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and Customs. The rest, R1.5 crore, was seized by the 134 flying squads we have for elections."

The collector explained, "If we find cash under Rs 10 lakh, our district officer, appointed by the Election Commission, checks if it's legal. If not, we seize it. If it's more than R10 lakh, we inform the Income Tax department for further investigation." He also said, "Besides cash, we seized 56,386 litres of illegal liquor worth R99,65,000 with help from the Excise department, DRI, and our flying squads."

First-time voters
Kshirsagar said, "A total of 84,825 first-time voters, falling under the age group of 19 and 20, have registered in the Mumbai suburban district for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Of these, 36,776 are female first-time voters and 48,044 are male voters. Apart from them, 5 registered first-time voters in the age group are from the transgender category."

Arrangements at booths
The district collector said, "The officials and officers appointed at polling booths will be present at the booths on May 19 itself. These officials will leave the booths only after completing their duties on May 20. We have ensured that facilities for their stay, food, first aid, and ambulance availability in case of emergencies will be provided at each polling station."

Home voting facility
Kshirsagar, said, "In our district, we have 59,186 registered senior citizen voters over the age of 85 and 13,821 registered divyanjan voters. Our district officials visited each of these individuals personally and offered them the option of home voting. Out of the 73,007 individuals visited, 2,728 chose to vote from home. Their votes will be cast on May 10 and 11 via postal ballot, with our officials and representatives of political parties present to ensure fair voting."

He also mentioned, "For those senior citizens and differently abled voters who prefered to vote at polling stations, we've made arrangements to ensure a smooth experience. Special shuttle services by BEST buses will operate in each Assembly constituency, and auto-rickshaws will be available to transport these voters."

"All polling stations are on the ground floor, but some have a few steps to access the polling booth. To assist individuals with mobility issues, we've arranged for wheelchairs that can climb stairs, developed by a person from Mumbai. These wheelchairs will be available at all polling booths with steps, ensuring a smooth voting process for handicapped individuals," added the election officer.

Rs 9.4cr
Total cash intercepted