Tarn Taran, Punjab :
As the Tarn Taran Assembly by-election draws near, intelligence agencies have sounded the alarm over a massive cross-border conspiracy aimed at influencing voters through narcotics instead of money. Drugs worth ₹45.29 crore and several weapons have been seized in just nine days, triggering heightened security in the sensitive border constituency.
According to reports submitted to the Election Commission, a cross-border narcotics syndicate has ramped up its operations in Tarn Taran — a district adjoining the Pakistan border. Security agencies suspect that drug consignments are being deliberately funneled into the constituency to target young, drug-addicted voters, in an attempt to manipulate the election outcome.
Massive Seizures Raise Alarm
Since the announcement of the by-election on October 7, agencies have seized:
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17.99 kg of drugs, valued at ₹45.08 crore
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379.25 liters of liquor
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1,252 items worth ₹18.89 lakh, suspected to be freebies for distribution
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₹68.22 lakh in cash
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Along with weapons smuggled from across the border
The rapid escalation in such seizures has prompted concerns that anti-national elements are attempting to undermine the democratic process by spreading drugs and illegal inducements.
Agencies on High Alert
The Border Security Force (BSF), Punjab Police, and other central and state security agencies have intensified surveillance along the border and within Tarn Taran. Special teams are tracking smuggling routes, financial transactions, and suspicious movements in the area.
Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer, Sibin C, confirmed that the agencies are working in close coordination to ensure free and fair elections.
“The agencies are doing their job. We are fully alert and taking every possible step to prevent illegal influence on the voters,” said Sibin C.
By-Election Schedule
The by-election for the Tarn Taran Assembly seat — which fell vacant after the death of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal in June 2025 — will see polling on November 11, and counting on November 14.
Nominations close on October 21, scrutiny will be held on October 22, and candidates may withdraw until October 24.
So far, six candidates have filed their nominations. The SAD, BJP, Congress, AAP, and Amritpal Singh’s Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) have all entered the fray, intensifying the political battle in this high-stakes constituency.
A Shadow Over Democracy
While political campaigns are picking up pace, the growing nexus of narcotics and elections in Punjab has once again raised serious questions about drug money’s influence in politics. Authorities fear that such attempts, if unchecked, could distort public choice and destabilize democratic integrity in the region
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