Telangana Elections: Poll chief discusses strategies to curb flow of liquor, cash, drugs

Hyderabad: The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vikas Raj issued orders to prevent illicit activities such as the flow of liquor, cash, precious metals, and drugs during the upcoming Assembly elections in Telangana.

On Tuesday, the CEO convened a meeting with nodal officers of various enforcement agencies to discuss various strategies. The meeting culminated with Vikas Raj issuing a series of directives aimed at ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.

District-level intelligence committees: Enforcement agencies were instructed to establish district-level intelligence committees dedicated to identifying potential expenditure-sensitive areas and monitoring various activities related to the distribution of liquor, drugs, money, and precious metals.

Enhanced security and vigilance: Vikas Raj emphasised the need for heightened security and vigilance at helipads and the establishment of integrated check posts along the borders with Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh states to prevent the illegal movement of goods and currency.

Comprehensive seizure reports: Enforcement agencies were tasked with preparing comprehensive constituency-wise and district-wise seizure reports, facilitating a deeper understanding of sensitive areas and potential challenges.

Calculating election risk: The CEO called for the creation of an Election Risk Analysis Cell within the headquarters of the enforcement departments to systematically assess and address potential threats to the electoral process.

Accompanying the CEO was Addl. CEO Lokesh Kumar and Joint CEO Sarfarqz Ahmed. They engaged with the delegates, discussing and refining the strategies required to maintain the sanctity of the democratic process.