Despite raids, liquor & cash flow unabated

Vikarabad: The money which is allegedly meant for wooing voters during the Lok Sabha polls has been flowing freely in the district without being noticed. However, one or two incidents see the light when cops succeed in seizing some cash here and there. Alcohol and money are being transported in alternative ways. Though the authorities are trying to curb such practices, there is no change in the attitude of the leaders. They are resorting to distribution of alcohol and money for their gain.

During the recent assembly elections, cash over Rs 4 crore was seized in special checks conducted by police forces. Generally, if the cash is more than Rs 10 lakh it should be handed over to the Income Tax Department and if it is lesser than that, the Revenue Department will take over.

The 10-member team, which is headed by the administrative officer, will decide which department has to take the cash. Then, the representatives of the respective departments enquire about where the money came from. In case of unsatisfactory evidence, they recommend for registering cases. In the case of code violations, the police registered 42 cases during the season.

At present, bundles of currency are coming out against the backdrop of the Lok Sabha polls. Five check posts have been set up in district at border areas to prevent transport of alcohol and cash. Surveillance is effectively working; still, it seems that the money is being transported without any interruption. Recently, Rs. 19.5 lakh was seized in the Miminpet sub-division and it was handed over to revenue officials. Apart from this, up to Rs 6 lakh cash was seized in four other cases.

Checkpoints are continuing at Tandur-Chincholi, Mannuguda and Kondangal border in Hyderabad-Bijapur road. Checkpoints at Nawabpet and Miminpet borders are also working. However, the cash flow is continuing unabated. Many people claim that there is a need to increase intelligence on vehicles coming from major roads.

Police said people should carry the relevant credentials if they are traveling with an amount of Rs 50,000. Alcohol, money, jewelry, items related to gifts, etc. should be brought with full evidence. Otherwise a case is registered and the cash and goods would be seized, police warned.