Election Commission reviews their performance; strictures passed in case of poor show
Manish Pachouly
Mumbai: The elections have come closer leading to hectic political activities all over the country. However, it’s not only political rallies or debates that have become a regular feature, but the election season has also put law enforcement agencies on alert mode to foil smuggling attempts and other illegal activities.
The heightened alertness is to prevent the supply of illegal cash, valuables, liquor, etc that can be used to influence voters.
This is evident from the recent seizures of gold that was being smuggled into the country in large quantities. Along with this, the agencies also seized huge amounts of cash in the last few days.
In a major seizure this week, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 40 kg of foreign-origin gold, six kg silver, and Rs 5.43 crore in cash from Mumbai, Araria in Bihar, Mathura and Gurgaon.
Just before this, the Customs had seized 6.8 kg of gold from two passengers at Jodhpur railway station. They had arrived at Jodhpur from Mumbai.
Last month, the Mumbai Airport Customs seized a total of 10 kg gold worth over Rs 5 crore and US $31,500 from 17 passengers who were traveling separately from abroad. There have been a few more such seizures across the country.
Sources in central agencies said that their alertness is at its peak during the election time. “The Election Commission (EC) regularly takes review meetings with the nodal officers of all the agencies and police force. In case of poor performance by any agency, the EC may pass strictures and can also recommend action that includes transfer,” said an officer from a central agency, requesting not to be quoted.
The high margin of profit makes gold smuggling lucrative for the smugglers, as they evade the 15 percent import duty. It cannot be ruled out that the huge profit earned through smuggled gold can be used by some unscrupulous elements to influence voters.
Explaining the difference in the price, Kumar Jain, Spokesperson of the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd (IBJA) said that the smuggled gold is Rs 7,000 per 10 grams cheaper than that sold legitimately. This means the unscrupulous elements make a profit of Rs seven lakh on every kg of gold.
Jain said that the smuggled gold in the market is bought by some small jewellers who make ornaments out of it and sell the same without the hallmark.
Crime Alert 