Chennai Election Authorities Confiscate ₹21.85 Lakh in Major Cash Seizure Operation
In a significant crackdown on unauthorized cash movement during the election period, flying squads in Chennai have seized a total of ₹21.85 lakh from various individuals across the city. The operation has drawn particular attention as one of those intercepted was an office-bearer of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, highlighting the vigilance of election monitoring authorities.
Congress Leader Among Those Intercepted with Substantial Cash
The most notable seizure involved Biju Chacko, who serves as the North Chennai district secretary of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee. The flying squad intercepted his vehicle while he was traveling on Cooks Road in the Otteri area. Upon inspection, authorities discovered ₹1.19 lakh in cash being transported without any supporting documentation or authorization.
The squad immediately confiscated the cash and formally handed it over to the election officer responsible for the Thiru Vi Ka Nagar constituency. This action underscores the strict enforcement of election regulations that prohibit unaccounted cash movements that could potentially influence the electoral process.
Multiple Seizures Across Key Chennai Locations
The operation extended across several strategic locations in Chennai, resulting in additional significant confiscations:
- Near the entrance of Casino Theatre in Chintadripet, the squad intercepted a car and seized ₹94,000 that was being transported without proper authorization.
- In the Secretariat Colony area near Kilpauk, authorities confiscated ₹59,000 from Uttar Katara, a native of Odisha who was found carrying the cash without documentation.
- At Chennai Central Railway Station, the railway protection force conducted a separate operation and seized ₹2.13 lakh from Jitendra Kumar.
Major ₹17 Lakh Seizure from Cash Management Agent
The largest single seizure occurred on Nelson Manickam Road in Aminjikarai, where the flying squad intercepted and thoroughly searched a car driven by Rajasekar. During the search, authorities discovered a substantial amount of ₹17 lakh in his vehicle, which was being transported without any supporting documents.
During subsequent inquiry, Rajasekar revealed that he works as a collection agent for CMS Pvt Ltd, a cash management service company based in Teynampet. He explained that he had collected cash from various establishments across Chennai and was in the process of transporting it back to his company's office when he was intercepted by election authorities.
This particular case raised questions about the documentation and authorization procedures followed by cash management services during election periods, when such movements come under heightened scrutiny.
Formal Handover to Income Tax Department
Following standard procedure for election-related cash seizures, all confiscated funds totaling ₹21.85 lakh were formally handed over to the income tax department office located in Nungambakkam. This transfer ensures proper documentation, investigation, and potential further action regarding the source and intended use of the seized funds.
The coordinated efforts between election flying squads, railway protection forces, and income tax authorities demonstrate the multi-agency approach being implemented to maintain the integrity of the electoral process in Chennai. These seizures serve as a strong deterrent against any attempts to use unaccounted cash to influence election outcomes.
