Ludhiana election officials deploy surveillance teams to prevent illegal cash and liquor flow

LUDHIANA: To ensure a fair and transparent Ludhiana West by-election, District Election Officer (DEO) Himanshu Jain directed Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) and Flying Surveillance Teams (FSTs) to conduct thorough vehicle inspections to curb the illegal flow of liquor, cash, and contraband.According to a statement by the district administration, 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 Jain instructed these teams to intensify inspections at integrated checkpoints 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 emphasised that all vehicles will be meticulously checked to prevent the circulation of illegal cash, liquor, contraband, or any materials intended to influence voters, ensuring a transparent electoral process.