Rs 270 Crore Seized In Bihar Ahead Of Elections, Including Rs72 Crore Cash And Liquor

National News: With elections approaching, police and excise officials across Bihar have intensified surveillance. From border checkpoints to district-level monitoring, strict inspections are underway. Between July and October 2025, nearly Rs ₹270 crore in cash, liquor, and other illegal goods were seized. Officials confirm this is one of the highest pre-election seizures in Bihar’s history, underscoring the scale of illegal funding and distribution networks.

Alcohol Seizures On The Rise

Over 12 lakh liters of illicit liquor have been confiscated. This includes both country-made and foreign brands. Districts such as Siwan, Bhagalpur, Gopalganj, and Katihar reported the largest recoveries, with Siwan alone accounting for 1.4 lakh liters. Much of this liquor was smuggled from neighboring states like Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. More than 1,100 vehicles carrying illegal cash or liquor have also been intercepted.

Huge Cash Recoveries Shock State

Not just liquor, but cash seizures have stunned observers. In the last 90 days, ₹72 crore in unaccounted money was recovered. Patna, Purnea, and Darbhanga topped the list of cash seizures. In one Patna raid alone, ₹1.35 crore was recovered from vehicles linked to political workers. In Gopalganj, police raided a house and found ₹1 crore stashed away, further fueling election controversy.

Liquor Ban Under Question

Bihar has enforced prohibition for more than eight years, yet election season consistently witnesses massive liquor smuggling. In September 2025 alone, more than three lakh bottles were confiscated. Political analysts argue prohibition has turned into a “political weapon” in some areas, with liquor used to woo voters despite the strict ban.

Election Impact And Reactions

Special monitoring cells have been set up in all 38 districts, with nodal officers reporting daily to the Election Commission. Experts suggest these record-breaking seizures will influence election outcomes, as attempts to buy votes with liquor and cash are curbed. However, opposition parties allege that the crackdown is selective, targeting only certain districts to benefit the ruling side.

Arms And Narcotics Recovered Too

In Araria, joint teams of police and CAPF recovered 1,125 liters of foreign liquor, 90 grams of smack, 700 grams of cannabis, and a pistol. In Patna’s Danapur, “Operation Jakhira” led to the recovery of cash, arms, and liquor. Jehanabad also saw cash seizures worth ₹3.99 lakh. These actions highlight how not just liquor and money, but drugs and weapons too were in circulation.

Big Question Still Unanswered

The biggest question remains: who was funding and organizing this huge inflow of cash, liquor, and arms before elections? Officials admit the seized amount is only what has been caught, while locals believe much more has already reached its destinations undetected. This mystery is likely to dominate Bihar’s election narrative as monitoring continues and authorities promise stricter vigilance.