Patna: As part of the drive against election malpractices, over 25.02 lakh litres of illicit liquor have been seized from across Bihar since the Model Code of Conduct for elections came into force, Election Commission sources said on Thursday.
The seizure of liquor illegally stocked, transported without permission and distribution among people, was made by state Excise and Prohibition department in 1,044 raids, Additional Chief Electoral Officer R Lakshmanan told reporters.
Altogether 615 persons have also been taken into custody in this connection and over Rs 14 lakh fine has also been realised on this count from them, he said.
The seized liquor included hooch as well as Indian made foreign liquor, he added.
"Intensive raids are being conducted on the directions of the Election Commission (EC) with a view to have free, fair and independent Lok Sabha elections in Bihar," Lakshmanan said.
Meanwhile, 216 cases of violation of the Model Code of Conduct by candidates and political parties have been registered till now in the state.
They included defacement of public property, misuse of vehicles, illegal meetings and not following the provisions of the Loudspeaker Act.
Altogether 122 illegal firearms have been seized in Bihar till now, while 1,102 licensed firearms have been deposited with the police in various districts across the state, Lakshamanan added.
