Kolkata, 19 March (H.S.): Ahead of the two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled next month, large amounts of unaccounted cash were recovered from two separate locations in the state within a span of 12 hours, police sources said on Thursday.

The seizures were reported from Baruipur in South 24 Parganas district and Alipurduar in North Bengal. The Election Commission has already put in place strict surveillance measures to prevent the use of illegal money to influence voters during the election period.

The Election Commission has appointed 294 general observers for the state’s 294 Assembly constituencies, making West Bengal the only poll-bound state or Union Territory to have a dedicated general observer for each constituency. Additionally, 188 police observers and 100 expenditure observers have also been deployed.

In the first incident, police intercepted a motorcyclist during a routine checking drive at Joytala in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas. During the search, officials recovered about ₹9 lakh in cash from his bag.

The detained individual has been identified as Samad Ali Sardar, a resident of the Tilpi area under Joynagar police station limits. According to police, he was travelling from Tilpi towards Kurali when he was stopped after his movements appeared suspicious.

He is currently being questioned and an investigation has been initiated to ascertain the source of the cash.

In another incident in Alipurduar district, police acted on a tip-off about a couple staying at a hotel near Choupati More allegedly carrying a large amount of cash.

Acting on the information, the anti-corruption wing of the police intercepted their private vehicle. A search led to the recovery of ₹2.75 lakh in cash. The vehicle bore an Assam registration number.

During questioning, the vehicle owner identified himself as a businessman from Assam and claimed that he and his wife had travelled from Chirang to Alipurduar for a visit. However, they reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the source of the cash.

Police officials said that given the election environment, such recoveries are being treated with seriousness. Authorities are investigating the source of the seized money and its possible intended use.

Police have also stated that strict legal action will be taken if the investigation reveals that the money was intended to influence the electoral process.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh