Strict curbs in place to check flow of liquor, cash, contraband

To ensure a fair and transparent Ludhiana West by-election, District Election Officer (DEO) Himanshu Jain has directed the Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) and Flying Surveillance Teams (FSTs) to conduct thorough vehicle inspections to curb the illegal flow of liquor, cash and contraband.

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A total of 12 FSTs and nine SSTs are operating round-the-clock, conducting rigorous checks at 20 strategic locations within the Ludhiana West assembly segment. Additionally, eight video surveillance teams (VSTs), one video viewing team and one accounting team have been formed to strengthen the expenditure monitoring mechanism. DEO Himanshu Jain has instructed these teams to intensify inspections at integrated check-points in collaboration with excise officials to prevent the illegal movement of liquor, cash and other prohibited items. Jain clarified that carrying up to Rs 50,000 in cash requires no documentation. However, amounts between Rs 50,000 and Rs 10 lakh must be accompanied by valid proof, while cash exceeding Rs 10 lakh, even with documentation, will be reported to the Income Tax Department for further scrutiny by the seizing teams. The DEO said all vehicles will be checked to prevent the circulation of illegal cash, liquor, contraband or any materials intended to influence voters, ensuring transparent electoral process.