EC is working closely with enforcement agencies: Sahoo

Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo in an interview with The Hindu on Friday assures that all steps are in place to ensure an inducement-free election in Tamil Nadu, which has earned notoriety for voter bribery. Edited excerpts The entire election machinery has been advised to remain careful. After the model code of conduct came into force, flying surveillance teams (FSTs) and stating surveillance teams (SSTs) have been deployed and they are on the job. The Income-Tax Department, Customs and Excise, the Airports Authority and banks, among others, have been informed about the standard operating procedure framed in this regard. We have made everyone an informer through the cVIGIL app. Anyone can take a picture or video of freebies or cash being distributed. Accordingly, we can activate our FSTs and SSTs to take immediate action.