Ghatshila by-election: Banks to report suspicious transactions

Jamshedpur: In view of the 45-Ghatshila (ST) Assembly by-election, Expenditure Observer  Dilip Kumar Rathod and District Election Officer (DEO)  Karn Satyarthi convened a joint meeting with district bank coordinators and enforcement agencies in the Collectorate Auditorium, Jamshedpur. The meeting focused on ensuring financial transparency and preventing the misuse of money power during the election period.

During the meeting, the Expenditure Observer emphasized that strict adherence to the Election Commission of India’s expenditure guidelines is essential to maintain the sanctity of the electoral process. All banks were directed to report immediately to the Expenditure Cell any cash transaction of ₹1 lakh or above, as well as any suspicious or unusual transactions. Continuous monitoring of financial activities will be carried out to curb illegal fund movements aimed at influencing voters.

Bank officials were instructed to provide QR codes to customers to facilitate transparent transaction verification. They were also told to ensure the timely submission of Form 12-D reports to the District Election Office and the Expenditure Cell. Further, banks were asked to prioritize the opening of election-related bank accounts for candidates and their agents.

Special instructions were issued regarding cash transportation by banks. It was clarified that if a vehicle is being used to transport money for purposes such as ATM replenishment or branch transfers, complete documentation must accompany the vehicle. In the absence of proper papers, such vehicles will face action if intercepted by flying squads or static surveillance teams.

Representatives from various central and state enforcement agencies, including CGST, SGST, Income Tax, GRP, RPF, Civil Aviation, and Excise Department, were also present. They were directed to maintain round-the-clock surveillance on the movement of illegal cash, liquor, and narcotics, and to take prompt and coordinated action against any violations.

The District Election Officer reiterated that the administration is committed to conducting the by-election in a free, fair, transparent, and inducement-free environment, with zero tolerance for electoral malpractice.