Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Flying squads seize ₹80.27 lakh of unaccounted cash

Flying squads deployed for the forthcoming Assembly elections have so far seized ₹80,27,160 as part of intensified surveillance across Kozhikode district.

With the heightened vigil, all major national and State highways are now under the watch of enforcement teams to curb the movement of unaccounted cash. The squads have been conducting round-the-clock inspections to detect the illegal transport of money and other inducements intended to influence voters.

Election authorities said multiple teams, including flying squads and static surveillance units, have been deployed across Assembly constituencies to monitor poll expenditure and prevent the illegal movement of cash, liquor, gifts, and weapons.

In each constituency, three flying squads and two anti-defacement squads are in operation. In addition, there are nine static surveillance teams, 26 video surveillance teams, and 13 video monitoring teams. Strict inspections are being carried out at borders and other strategic locations to prevent the distribution of money, alcohol, and drugs.

Officials coordinating the inspections said steps would be taken to ensure the timely release of seized cash and valuables upon submission of valid documents. Cases involving suspected fraudulent transactions will be referred to the Income Tax department for follow-up action, they added.

Election authorities also said that monitoring of online fund transactions is ongoing with the support of banks in Kozhikode district. Any suspicious transactions will be reported to higher authorities for prompt action as part of the election vigil, they added.

On Wednesday (April 8), the Expenditure Monitoring Cell will conduct the third-phase review of campaign expenditure statements submitted by candidates. So far, 19 candidates have been issued notices for failing to submit details as instructed.