Mumbai

During a review meeting with top officials in Maharashtra on Friday, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar raised concerns about the presence of over 100 police inspectors in key roles in Mumbai. He pointed out that despite a directive issued on July 31, to transfer officials who have been in their current postings for over three years, the state administration has not yet complied.

Kumar questioned the Chief Secretary regarding the reluctance to transfer revenue officers from crucial positions, expressing disappointment with the lack of action. The Election Commission of India (ECI) demanded explanations from both the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) for not fully implementing these orders ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

Additionally, Kumar instructed the Excise Commissioner to clamp down on the flow of illicit liquor from neighboring states. He emphasized that enforcement agencies must check the helicopters of all leaders and campaigners and ensure that no favoritism is shown.

Kumar also warned against the movement of cash disguised as police vehicles or ambulances, urging strict monitoring of illegal cash transfers. He mandated that banks only transfer money during designated hours and prohibited cash movement after sunset. The CEC further directed the Narcotics Control Bureau to monitor drug movements across borders, highlighting the need for intelligence sharing among agencies.

Kumar is in Mumbai, leading an ECI delegation to review election preparations ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, which will be contested in 288 constituencies. The election dates have yet to be announced, but significant rivalries are expected between the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition and the Maha Yuti Alliance.