## India's Election Commission Cracks Down on Illicit Money and Goods Ahead of General Elections
In the lead-up to India's upcoming general elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has confiscated a record-breaking 46.5 billion rupees ($557 million) in illicit money and goods. This figure surpasses the total amount seized during the entire 2019 elections.
The ECI is determined to combat the use of black money to influence voters in what is considered the world's largest democratic exercise. The commission has implemented stringent measures, including setting up police checkpoints across the country to search vehicles for illicit cash, liquor, drugs, and other prohibited items.
In a statement released on Monday, the ECI revealed that it had seized 3.9 billion rupees in cash and 11.42 billion rupees worth of freebies within a period of approximately 45 days. This is significantly higher than the total amount of 34.75 billion rupees confiscated during the entire 2019 election cycle.
With approximately 45 days remaining before the conclusion of the seven-phase voting process, which commenced on April 19 and will continue until June 1, the ECI has vowed to maintain its rigorous checks across the nation.
The Model Code of Conduct, which comes into effect upon the announcement of election dates, aims to prevent vote-buying and corruption that could sway voters. The ECI employs various strategies to enforce this code, including establishing checkpoints on roads, monitoring water transportation, and conducting surveillance on unscheduled flights and helicopters.
On Monday, a helicopter carrying Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the opposition Indian National Congress, was reportedly searched in Tamil Nadu. The search was conducted after Gandhi landed at his parliamentary constituency.