EC orders federal agencies, security forces to curb black money, drugs in upcoming polls

• Election Commission directs central agencies and security forces to proactively check black money, drugs, and illegal inducements during upcoming assembly polls.
• Polls announced for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry, with voting from April 9 to April 29, and counting on May 4.
• Agencies like CBDT (I-T), ED, FIU, NCB, DRI, BSF, SSB, and RPF have been issued specific directives for enhanced vigilance.
• I-T to monitor cash movements (over Rs 10 lakh) at airports/stations; FIU to share suspicious transaction reports (STRs) and candidate asset info.
• NCB and DRI to curb narcotics/fake currency; ED to watch money laundering; BSF/SSB to secure international borders against smuggling.