In a significant crackdown, Samaguri police in Assam’s Nagaon district seized a substantial sum of cash amounting to Rs 1,11,800 on Thursday, suspected to have been brought in violation of election regulations. The operation was prompted by concerns over illegal financial activities in light of the upcoming by-elections.
The cash was discovered in a vehicle with the registration number AS 01 GB 2663, which was intercepted during routine checks. Authorities suspect that the money was intended for distribution to influence voters, raising serious alarms about electoral integrity and the potential for malpractice in the democratic process.
Police officials have confirmed that an investigation is underway to trace the source of the funds and identify any individuals involved in this illicit transaction. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
The Election Commission of India has scheduled by-elections for five Assembly seats in Assam on November 13, with results anticipated on November 23. The constituencies involved are Dholai, Sidli, Bongaigaon, Behali, and Samaguri. These seats became vacant earlier this year following the transition of several MLAs to parliamentary roles after the Lok Sabha elections.
Notably, BJP MLAs Parimal Suklabaidya from Dholai and Ranjit Dutta from Behali successfully contested for the Cachar and Tezpur Lok Sabha seats, respectively. Additionally, veteran AGP leader Phani Bhushan Choudhury, a longstanding figure in the Bongaigaon constituency since 1985, won the Barpeta Lok Sabha seat. Meanwhile, UPPL’s Joyanta Basumatary, the former MLA from Sidli, also made headlines by securing the Kokrajhar seat.
The seizure underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to ensure a fair electoral process in Assam, particularly as the state prepares for the crucial by-elections.