Mumbai: The hawala and black money markets have not seen a slowdown in their operations despite a month since the model code of conduct has come into force. From March 10 when the model code was put in place, the law enforcement agencies have seized unaccounted gold, silver, alcohol and drugs worth Rs 112 crore. The authorities believe that these materials were procured to influence the election.
In fact, immediately after the model code of conduct was enforced, a special team has been formed to unearth illegal money that can be used to manipulate the electoral process. The special team has been continuously on the lookout for illegal and black money. The team from the Election Commission has so far confiscated Rs 40.81 crore and Rs 44.76 crore worth of silver and gold respectively.
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Besides, the team has also confiscated alcohol worth Rs 21.24 crore and drugs worth Rs 6.12 crore. The EC officials have informed the higher authorities that there were strong indications that drugs, alcohol and money could be used to tempt the voters in favour of certain candidates and parties.
However, the source of the confiscated items is not yet clear. Neither is the final destination of these seized materials is clear. The police have not provided specific details about the source or the destination of the unaccounted gold, silver, alcohol and drugs that they have seized as their investigations are still going on.
