Code violations rise to over 11,000 cases in Maharashtra

PUNE: State polling officials have been working hard, registering 11,558 FIRs since the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into effect and taking hold of cash, liquor, gold and drugs worth nearly Rs112.91 crore.
A senior official from the state poll commission stated that the vast majority of FIRs have been registered for using liquor to induce voters, followed by ferrying cash, gold and drugs, even firearms.

“Almost 10,811 FIRs have been filed at various police stations in Maharashtra for storing and distributing illicit liquor. A total of 457 FIRs have been lodged for possession of firearms,” stated a senior election official. The remaining cases pertains to drugs, unaccounted cash, gold, and others.
In total, cash worth Rs40.81 crore was seized across the state. In addition, gold worth Rs44.76 crore, liquor worth Rs21.24 crore and drugs worth Rs6.12 crore were seized in this period, officials told TOI.
An official said cases had also been registered with the police for violations like unauthorized banners, use of loudspeakers, inflammatory speeches and holding meetings without permission.
Huge seizures have also led to cancellation of elections in the country. On Tuesday, elections for Vellore Lok Sabha seat in Tamil Nadu slated on April 18 was cancelled due to huge seizures. Last week, income tax officials seized cash from a godown and the case is being investigated.
In the state, Pune district too had recorded a seizure of Rs99 lakh cash that is being investigated, stated officials.
Polling for the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra will be held in four phases, the first of which was on April 11, followed by April 18, April 23 and finally on April 29.