The Election Commission of India has directed several central enforcement and security agencies to intensify monitoring to prevent the use of black money, drugs and other illegal inducements during the upcoming Assembly elections in five regions. The move comes as the poll body prepares to conduct elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and the Union Territory of Puducherry. The Election Commission announced the poll schedule on March 15 and soon after issued instructions to multiple agencies to maintain strict vigil throughout the election period. The Commission said the aim is to ensure that elections are conducted in a fair and transparent manner and that voters are not influenced by illegal money or other inducements.
Among the agencies contacted by the Commission are the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), which oversees the Income Tax Department, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). Security forces including the Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) have also been asked to increase surveillance during the election period.The Commission has instructed the Income Tax Department to deploy investigation teams across poll-bound states and regions. These teams will monitor sensitive locations such as airports, major railway stations, hotels, farmhouses and suspected hawala networks to track the movement of unaccounted cash.Special attention will also be given to airports, where Air Intelligence Units (AIUs) have been asked to keep a close watch on the movement of large sums of money through both private jets and commercial flights.
According to the directive issued by the Election Commission, any case where cash exceeding Rs 10 lakh is reported to the Income Tax Department will require immediate action and further investigation.The Financial Intelligence Unit has been asked to share suspicious transaction reports with the Commission. It will also provide information related to the financial activities of candidates, including the assets they declare during the nomination process.In addition, all enforcement agencies have been directed to share information on seizures and interceptions through the Election Commission’s online Election Seizure Management System (ESMS). This system will help the Commission track illegal cash, drugs and other items seized during the election period in real time.
