Election: Central agencies intensify inspections; items worth 408 crore seized

Friday 27 March, 2026 | 11:16 PM

KOCHI: Central agencies have seized illegal items worth Rs 408.82 crore during inspections conducted in five states, including Kerala, where Assembly elections are approaching. Unaccounted cash was also recovered during the raids. The seized items include cash, liquor, narcotic substances, and precious metals. The inspections are being carried out by agencies such as the Income Tax Department, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, and Narcotics Control Bureau, with support from state agencies.

The drive aims to prevent the flow of black money and stop the distribution of drugs, gold, and other valuable items used to influence voters during elections.

In Kerala, Rs 62.5 lakh was seized. The amount was recovered by the Excise Department from K Udaya Shankar, a native of Karnataka, during a check on an interstate bus in Thrissur. The cash has been handed over to the Income Tax Department. Udaya Shankar claimed that the money was received from the sale of land. However, he failed to provide documents to prove the source of the funds. Officials stated that the money would be confiscated if valid documents are not produced.

Special squads and static surveillance teams have been deployed for inspections. An Electronic Seizure Management System (ESMS) has been installed at check posts to examine packages.

Seizures in the last 27 days: