Mob Snatches Rs 13.44 Lakh Cash from Election Flying Squad in Sivaganga Chaos
In a dramatic turn of events in Sivaganga, a mob of approximately 30 unidentified individuals snatched Rs 13.44 lakh in cash from an election flying squad on Monday. The cash had been seized just moments earlier during a raid on the office premises of Sivaganga MP Karti Chidambaram in Karaikudi.
Raid and Seizure at Karti Chidambaram's Office
Acting on a specific tip-off that cash was being stored for potential distribution to voters, an election flying squad led by official Dharmalingam conducted a raid. The target was Karti Chidambaram's office located on Subramaniapuram 1st Road in Karaikudi. During a thorough search of a shed situated behind the main office building, officials discovered and recovered two bags along with a cloth bag, all stuffed with currency notes.
Chaotic Scene During Cash Verification
The situation escalated into chaos during the verification process near the election flying squad's vehicle. A man identified as Palaniyappan, a native of Thirumayam, insisted that the officials count the cash on the spot. The counting was conducted and videographed, confirming the total amount as Rs 13.44 lakh. As this was happening, a crowd of around 30 people began to converge at the scene.
When the election officials moved to secure the counted cash in their vehicle, the mob suddenly lunged forward, snatched the bags containing the money, and fled the area. In a calculated move to prevent any immediate pursuit, an unknown person from the mob took the key of the squad vehicle, effectively stranding the officials.
Police Response and Legal Action
Upon receiving information about the incident, Devakottai sub-collector Ayush Venkat Vats and Karaikudi assistant superintendent of police Ashish Puniya rushed to the spot. Following a formal complaint lodged by an election official, the Karaikudi North police registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The charges include:
- Section 189(2) for unlawful assembly
- Section 132 for assaulting or using criminal force to deter a public servant from performing their duty
- Section 310(2) for dacoity, which applies when five or more people conjointly commit or attempt to commit robbery
Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
Police have arrested Palaniyappan in connection with the incident, and he has been remanded to custody. Authorities have launched an extensive manhunt to identify the other members of the mob involved in the snatching and to recover the stolen cash. The investigation is ongoing, with officials examining all available evidence, including the videography of the cash counting, to track down the perpetrators.
This incident highlights the intense scrutiny and challenges faced by election enforcement teams during the electoral process, particularly in sensitive constituencies. The brazen nature of the theft from a government flying squad has raised serious concerns about law and order during election periods.
