CEC Rajiv Kumar Tightens Security Ahead of Maharashtra Assembly Polls

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has directed Maharashtra excise officials to curb the inflow of illicit liquor from neighboring areas before the assembly polls. The EC team is reviewing the state's preparedness, stressing the need for strict vigilance on drug movement and enhanced intelligence sharing.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar on Friday called upon Maharashtra excise officials to halt the influx of illicit liquor from neighboring regions ahead of the imminent assembly elections, sources report.

The Election Commission (EC) delegation is currently in Maharashtra, assessing the readiness for the upcoming polls as the state assembly's term concludes on November 26.

Kumar also tasked the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) with closely monitoring interstate drug traffic, questioning the continued availability of narcotics.

''In the recent Lok Sabha elections, drugs worth Rs 4,500 crore were seized. Maintain this momentum and ensure a strict vigil on crucial routes,'' Kumar instructed NCB officials.

The EC emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing among agencies, including the Railway Protection Force (RPF).

Additionally, EC ordered enforcement agencies to check helicopters of all leaders and prominent campaigners according to protocol, urging the creation of new methods to prevent the inflow of inducements. It also prohibited the use of police vans and ambulances for transporting black money.

Banks were instructed to transfer money only in designated hours and vehicles, banning any movement post-sunset.

(With inputs from agencies.)