Azamgarh Polls: Cash and Campaign Gear Seized in Pre-Election Raid
Authorities in Azamgarh seize over ₹2.4 lakh and campaign materials from a car ahead of the teacher constituency polls.
In a major crackdown just hours before the teacher constituency polls, authorities in Azamgarh intercepted a vehicle carrying a significant amount of cash and prohibited election materials. The Azamgarh election cash seizure occurred during a targeted operation by a flying squad tasked with ensuring the integrity of the voting process.
The Midnight Interception
Late on October 22, 2026, a flying squad led by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Sadar Avinash Gautam spotted a white Kia Seltos (registration number UP54AX2379) near Daulatpur Pulia. The vehicle was stopped within the jurisdiction of the Sidhari police station for a routine search.
Upon inspecting the car, officials discovered five white bags placed on the middle seat. Inside these bags, the squad recovered ₹2,41,500 in cash alongside a massive cache of campaign materials designed to influence voters. The seized items included:
- Pamphlets and handbills
- Voter slips
- Replicas of ballot papers
- Lists of teacher voters
Legal Action and Arrests
The operation led to the immediate custody of four individuals found in the vehicle. According to SP City Manush Parik, legal proceedings have been initiated against the detainees. An FIR has been registered, citing a blatant violation of the Model Code of Conduct currently in place for the biennial Legislative Council election for the Gorakhpur-Faizabad teacher constituency.
High Stakes for Teacher Voters
The seizure comes at a critical moment as voting is scheduled for October 23, 2026. This specific election segment spans 17 districts, with a total of 54,910 eligible teacher voters. Azamgarh plays a pivotal role in this process, accounting for 8,592 voters across 23 established polling centers.
Strict Measures for Fair Polling
To prevent malpractice and ensure a transparent election, District Election Officer Ravindra Kumar has implemented several stringent measures:
- Control Room: A district-level control room has been set up specifically to handle and resolve complaints regarding clerical errors in the voter lists.
- Voter Facilitation: Special casual leave has been granted to all eligible teachers to ensure they can cast their votes without professional hindrance.
- Security Deployment: Polling parties were officially dispatched on October 22 to secure the voting centers.
Underlying Tensions
The crackdown follows a period of tension and apprehension within the teaching community. Previously, a delegation of teachers had raised concerns regarding the potential for undue pressure. There were reports that managers of both aided and unaided schools might attempt to influence voter information, making the recent seizure of voter lists and cash a significant victory for election monitors.