In Salem district, out of the cash and gift items worth Rs 8 crore seized after the model code of conduct came into force, items valued at Rs 4.49 crore still remain unclaimed in the district treasury. The concerned parties have yet to approach officials with valid documents for their release.
Enforcement During Election Period
The model code of conduct came into effect in the state immediately after the announcement of the election schedule. To prevent the distribution of cash and gifts to voters, election flying squads and surveillance teams were deployed across the 11 assembly constituencies in the district. Each constituency was monitored by three flying squads and three fixed surveillance teams.
An official from the election department stated, 'They operated round the clock and checked vehicles for cash exceeding Rs 50,000 and gift items being carried without valid documents. An appeals centre was also set up to allow people to submit documents and reclaim seized cash and goods.'
Seizure Details
During the enforcement period, cash and valuables worth a little over Rs 8 crore were seized in Salem district. The seized items included Rs 2.74 crore in cash, Rs 33.65 lakh worth of liquor, Rs 2.39 crore worth of gold and silver items, and Rs 2.57 crore worth of other valuables.
After document verification through the appeals centre, cash and valuables worth Rs 3.51 crore were returned. However, the remaining cash and valuables, amounting to Rs 4.49 crore, remain unclaimed in the treasury.
