Telangana & Andhra Pradesh score big in cash seizures, not far behind in liquor, gold too

HYDERABAD: Two Telugu states, which have been at daggers drawn over sharing of water and electricity, have something common. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh not only stood even when it came to cash seizures in the Lok Sabha elections, both the states also scored ‘big’ in seizures of liquor and gold and silver.
In a damning report by the Election Commission on cash seizures in all the states, AP accounted for the second highest collection of Rs 139 crore.Another southern state Tamil Nadu topped the charts with a staggering Rs 229 crore seized in the run-up to the elections. AP was followed by Telangana at Rs 70 crore, while West Bengal came fourth with Rs 66 crore seized.
AP also earned the dubious distinction of bagging the ‘coveted’ fourth slot in liquor seizures. While Uttar Pradesh stood first with Rs 46 crore worth of liquor seized, AP had Rs 29 crore worth seizures. A former official said the seized liquor goes into the possession of excise department. They summon the owners and verify documents. “If owners prove that liquor is legitimate, they can get their stock released by paying duty. However, non-duty paid stock is destroyed after following the due procedure,” he explained.
The Telugu states were also among the top five states in gold and silver seizures. Tamil Nadu again topped the list with Rs 72 crore worth seizures, while AP at Rs 37 crore was behind UP and Maharashtra.
Experts argue that existing law classifies an electoral malpractice as a compoundable offence. “It is time that it was modified and made it into an election-related offence,” an analyst said. Another said there is a dire need to overhaul the system and take up electoral reforms in right earnest.
Thankfully, both AP and Telangana do not figure in the top five states when it comes to drugs and narcotics seizures.