How Much Money Have Been Seized During This Tamil Nadu & West Bengal Elections, So Far?

Authorities in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have reported unprecedented seizures of cash, valuables and contraband during the ongoing election period, underscoring intensified enforcement efforts compared with previous polls.

Tamil Nadu: Seizures Cross ₹900 Crore

Officials from the Election Department confirmed that confiscations in Tamil Nadu have already surpassed ₹900 crore, more than double the figures recorded during the 2021 Assembly elections., according to a report in The Hindu. Enforcement teams, including flying squads, static surveillance units and Income Tax officials, have been deployed across all 234 constituencies.

In 2021, seizures amounted to ₹446.28 crore in gifts and precious metals without valid documentation, alongside ₹236.70 crore in unaccounted cash. More than half of these items were later returned following verification, including gold worth ₹173.19 crore.

This year, the scale of seizures has risen sharply, with around ₹800 crore worth of cash, jewellery, drugs and liquor confiscated so far. Of this, ₹126.64 crore in cash was found without supporting documents. Authorities stressed that individuals can reclaim seized assets upon submission of proper proof. "About ₹400 crore worth of seized materials - including cash, precious metals and other items - has already been released after verification," officials stated.

West Bengal: RPF Records Sharp Increase

Meanwhile, in West Bengal, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has reported record recoveries during the 2026 elections. Data up to 10 April shows unaccounted cash seizures totalling ₹2.37 crore across 16 cases, leading to 17 arrests. This marks a significant rise from the ₹1.37 crore seized during the 2024 elections, according to a report in The Statesman.

The crackdown has also extended to narcotics and related contraband. Authorities recovered 1,890 kg of liquor valued at ₹8.76 lakh in 67 cases, resulting in 54 arrests. In a major haul, 1.032 kg of heroin worth ₹2 crore was seized in a single case, while 367 kg of ganja valued at ₹1.83 crore was confiscated across 23 cases, leading to 13 arrests.

Additional seizures included gold, silver and banned cough syrup worth ₹95,634 in two cases, with three offenders apprehended. Overall, the total value of seizures in West Bengal during the current election period stood at ₹12.05 crore, involving 124 cases and 102 arrests. This represents a sharp increase compared with the ₹3.65 crore seized during the 2024 elections.

The figures highlight the heightened vigilance and enforcement measures being undertaken during the 2026 elections. Officials emphasised that while seizures are necessary to curb malpractice, due process ensures that legitimate assets are returned upon verification.

As the election period continues, authorities are expected to maintain strict monitoring across constituencies to deter illegal inducements and safeguard the integrity of the polls.