CHENNAI: With just three days to go for polling in Tamil Nadu, election authorities have seized over Rs 500 crore in cash, gold, drugs, liquor and other inducements as part of an intensified crackdown on poll-related malpractices, Election Commission’s special observer for Tamil Nadu Pratap Singh said on Monday.“The overall interceptions so far have crossed Rs 1,200 crore, with enforcement agencies, including the income tax department (around Rs 190 crore) and CGST (over Rs 175 crore), accounting for a significant share of the seizures. Large quantities of liquor and narcotics have also been confiscated, while instances of coupon and freebie distribution have been reported from places such as Chennai, Hosur and Salem. Around 100 FIRs have been registered in connection with violations,” said the official, after holding a meeting with the representatives of the political parties to ensure free and fair polling on April 23. Tiruvallur district has registered the highest seizure of about Rs 85 crore, followed by Chennai.Regarding the poll preparation, the official said the Election Commission has ensured that over 95% of voter information slips have been distributed across the state, with instructions issued to plug gaps and achieve near-total coverage before polling day. Some political parties had flagged incomplete distribution in select areas, prompting immediate corrective measures.Of the 234 assembly constituencies, 105 have been identified as expenditure-sensitive and 5,938 polling booths have been categorized as critical, warranting enhanced monitoring and security deployment. More than two lakh voters, including senior citizens above 85 years and persons with disabilities, have already cast their votes through postal ballots. EC has deployed 150 expenditure observers, 130 general observers and 40 police observers, along with 300 companies of Central Armed Police Forces across districts.
