Cash, Gold, Freebies Worth ₹75 Crore Seized in TN Poll Surveillance Drive

With enforcement measures intensified ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, authorities in Tamil Nadu have seized illegal cash, valuables, and inducements worth over ₹75 crore , Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik said on Saturday.

Polling for the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly is scheduled on April 18, 2026 , while counting of votes and declaration of results will take place on May 2, 2026 , according to the Election Commission.

As per an official statement, cumulative seizures as of March 21 stood at ₹75.03 crore , reflecting a statewide crackdown on attempts to influence voters through illicit means. The Election Commission has deployed extensive surveillance and enforcement teams across all constituencies to monitor election expenditure and curb the distribution of cash, liquor, drugs, and other prohibited items .

Providing a detailed break-up, Patnaik said cash seizures accounted for ₹23.74 crore , while liquor worth ₹0.51 crore and narcotics valued at ₹5.63 crore were also confiscated. Authorities further seized precious metals worth ₹23.19 crore and freebies worth ₹21.96 crore .

Officials said the seizures were made during routine checks at inter-state borders , vehicle inspections , and raids on suspicious premises , including from individuals and groups allegedly involved in distributing inducements to voters. Enforcement teams have been actively monitoring transportation hubs, warehouses, and vulnerable constituencies .

To ensure transparency and accountability , the Election Commission has appointed 136 general observers, 40 police observers, and 151 expenditure observers across the state. These officials are tasked with overseeing campaign spending and preventing violations of the Model Code of Conduct .

The intensified crackdown underscores the Commission’s efforts to ensure free and fair elections , with authorities maintaining strict vigilance in the run-up to polling day.