New Delhi: In preparation for the upcoming Delhi Legislative Assembly elections, the North-West District Police has intensified its efforts to combat illicit liquor, drugs, unaccounted cash, and public drinking, ensuring compliance with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and guidelines from the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Police reports indicate that during recent checks, six individuals were arrested, and Rs 1,50,60,000 in unaccounted cash was seized from three different locations. This success was attributed to credible intelligence and the collaboration between Local Police and Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs).
In a separate operation, six bootleggers were detained, leading to the recovery of 1,862 quarters and five bottles of illegal liquor, along with a car used for transporting the contraband from neighboring states. These actions aim to prevent illegal liquor distribution ahead of the elections.
Additionally, an anti-drug operation resulted in the arrest of four drug peddlers and users, with police confiscating 4.65 grams of smack and 804 grams of ganja. To ensure public order, authorities launched a campaign against public drinking, resulting in 20 individuals being charged under Section 40A of the Excise Act and 33 others under Section 40B. The police also stepped up efforts to tackle illegal weapon possession, recovering 10 knives and arresting 10 suspects.
In a related development, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court, drawing attention to the surge of spam calls from various organizations and political parties since the election notification. The petition claims these calls infringe on citizens’ Right to Privacy under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
The plea argues that these unsolicited calls, aimed at spreading hatred and bias, not only damage the reputation of political parties but also undermine the public’s ability to make fair electoral choices. The calls allegedly promote a specific political party’s agenda, suggesting that benefits will be withdrawn if the opposition wins, thereby fostering public animosity and prejudice.
The petition emphasizes that the public’s privacy rights are being violated, with personal information exploited for political gain. It accuses these parties of violating the law and prioritizing their political interests over citizens’ fundamental rights.
The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with vote counting on February 8. A total of 699 candidates are contesting for the 70 assembly seats in Delhi.