<p>In preparation for the upcoming Assembly elections, the Election Commission has intensified surveillance across Kozhikode district. Multiple enforcement teams, including <span class="key-term" data-definition="Flying squads — mobile police units deployed during elections to monitor and prevent illegal activities such as cash movement, liquor, and weapons; crucial for ensuring free and fair elections (GS2: Polity).">flying squads</span> and <span class="key-term" data-definition="Static surveillance units — stationary teams that continuously monitor specific locations like polling stations and borders to detect violations of the Model Code of Conduct (GS2: Polity).">static surveillance units</span>, have seized **₹80,27,160** in unaccounted cash.</p> <h2>Key Developments</h2> <ul> <li>Seizure of over ₹80 lakh from illegal cash transports.</li> <li>All national and state highways in the district placed under continuous monitoring.</li> <li>Round‑the‑clock inspections to curb movement of cash, liquor, gifts, and weapons.</li> <li>Third‑phase review of campaign‑expenditure statements by the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Expenditure Monitoring Cell — a specialized cell under the Election Commission that scrutinises candidates’ declared campaign expenses to enforce the Model Code of Conduct (GS2: Polity).">Expenditure Monitoring Cell</span> on 8 April 2026; 19 candidates issued notices for non‑submission.</li> </ul> <h2>Important Facts</h2> <ul> <li>Each constituency hosts **three flying squads** and **two anti‑defacement squads** (<span class="key-term" data-definition="Anti-defacement squads — teams tasked with preventing vandalism or defacement of public property, especially election‑related signage, to maintain law and order (GS2: Polity).">anti‑defacement squads</span>).</li> <li>District‑wide deployment includes **nine static surveillance teams**, **26 video surveillance teams**, and **13 video‑monitoring teams**.</li> <li>Strategic border checks are conducted to stop the flow of cash, alcohol, and drugs.</li> <li>Seized assets will be released upon presentation of valid documents; suspicious cases forwarded to the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Income Tax department — the central government agency responsible for tax collection and investigation of financial crimes, including illegal political funding (GS3: Economy).">Income Tax department</span> for further action.</li> <li>Online fund transactions are being tracked with bank cooperation; any irregularities will be reported to higher authorities.</li> </ul> <h2>UPSC Relevance</h2> <p>The deployment illustrates the practical application of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and the Election Commission’s administrative machinery (GS2: Polity). Understanding the role of <span class="key-term" data-definition="Flying squads — mobile police units deployed during elections to monitor and prevent illegal activities such as cash movement, liquor, and weapons; crucial for ensuring free and fair elections (GS2: Polity).">flying squads</span> and surveillance units helps aspirants grasp how law‑enforcement agencies safeguard electoral integrity. The involvement of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Income Tax department — the central government agency responsible for tax collection and investigation of financial crimes, including illegal political funding (GS3: Economy).">Income Tax department</span> links election finance monitoring with fiscal oversight, a key topic in GS3. Monitoring <span class="key-term" data-definition="Online fund transactions — electronic transfers of money through banking channels, monitored during elections to detect suspicious financing (GS3: Economy).">online fund transactions</span> reflects the growing importance of digital finance in governance.</p> <h2>Way Forward</h2> <p>To strengthen electoral vigilance, authorities could:</p> <ul> <li>Integrate real‑time data analytics for faster detection of suspicious cash flows.</li> <li>Expand the network of video‑monitoring teams to cover remote polling stations.</li> <li>Enhance coordination between the Election Commission, police, and the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Income Tax department — the central government agency responsible for tax collection and investigation of financial crimes, including illegal political funding (GS3: Economy).">Income Tax department</span> for swift legal action.</li> <li>Conduct post‑election audits of seized assets to ensure transparency and accountability.</li> </ul> <p>These steps would reinforce the credibility of the electoral process and align with the constitutional mandate of free and fair elections.</p>