Ghatshila By-Election: Freebies worth Rs 2.41 lakh seized

Jamshedpur: In a determined effort to ensure free, fair, and transparent conduct of the 45-Ghatshila (ST) Assembly Constituency By-Election 2025, the district administration has intensified surveillance and enforcement across all borders and sensitive zones. Acting on the directives of District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Shri Karn Satyarthi, strict monitoring is being carried out on the illegal transportation of cash, liquor, drugs, weapons, and freebies through inter-state and inter-district checkpoints.

As part of this drive, freebies and materials worth Rs 2.41 lakh were seized today during extensive vehicle checks and surveillance operations.

According to official data, enforcement teams have made substantial recoveries since the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct: Cash: Rs 42.71 lakh, Liquor: 12,837.55 liters (Market value Rs 10.11 lakh), Drugs/Narcotics: Rs 5.10 lakh, Freebies/Other materials: Rs 2.35 crore 69 thousand and Total Seizure: Rs 2.93 crore 61 thousand.

The intensified operation is being jointly executed by the Flying Squad Team (FST), Static Surveillance Team (SST), Excise Department, Police Department, and the District Level Expenditure Monitoring Team. These agencies are maintaining round-the-clock checks on movement across border areas and within various police station jurisdictions to curb electoral malpractices.

District Election Officer Karn Satyarthi emphasized that the administration is fully committed to upholding the integrity of the electoral process. He warned that any attempt to influence voters through illegal means will be dealt with strictly.

The administration has also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or distribution of inducements through the c-Vigil mobile app. Immediate action will be taken on verified complaints to ensure that the Ghatshila by-election is conducted in an atmosphere of transparency and accountability.