West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Bardhaman, April 22: The first phase of polling, the Excise Department conducted a late-night raid in Purba Bardhaman district and seized a large quantity of liquor estimated to be worth nearly ₹25 lakh. Officials indicated that the crackdown was part of intensified surveillance measures aimed at preventing the distribution of illicit inducements to voters in the run-up to the elections.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, an excise team carried out the operation at a vacant house in Bardhaman town late Tuesday night. The raid was led by the District Excise Superintendent, who supervised the search and seizure process. Authorities recovered cartons of liquor allegedly stored for unlawful distribution during the election period.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the seized stock may have been intended for use as an inducement to influence voters before polling day. With election dates drawing near, enforcement agencies across the state have stepped up vigilance to curb the flow of cash, liquor, and other materials that could potentially be used to sway the electorate.

Officials said the operation was launched swiftly after credible information was received from confidential sources. The location, described as an unoccupied residential building, had reportedly been used as a temporary storage point. The excise team conducted a thorough search of the premises and documented the seized goods in accordance with legal procedures.

The total market value of the confiscated liquor has been estimated at approximately ₹25 lakh, making it one of the larger seizures reported in the district in the immediate pre-poll period. Authorities are now probing the origin of the consignment and attempting to identify those responsible for storing and intending to distribute the liquor.

The administration has reiterated its commitment to ensuring free and fair elections by cracking down on any attempts to influence voters through illegal means. Officials emphasized that strict action would be taken against individuals or groups found violating the Model Code of Conduct or election-related laws.

With polling set to begin soon, enforcement agencies have intensified joint operations and surveillance drives across sensitive areas. The latest seizure in Purba Bardhaman underscores the heightened alertness of authorities during the crucial days leading up to the vote.

Further investigation is underway to trace the supply chain and determine whether the seized liquor was linked to any organized network. Officials have indicated that more such operations may follow as part of the broader effort to maintain electoral integrity and uphold the sanctity of the democratic process.