Published Nov 01, 2023 | 12:07 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 01, 2023 | 12:07 PM
Income Tax Department office in Hyderabad. (Official Website)
Since the model code of conduct came into force on 9 October, law enforcement agencies have seized cash, gold, liquor and freebies worth over ₹412 crore as of Tuesday, 31 October, in poll-bound Telangana.
A total of over ₹145.3 crore in cash, 251.9 kg gold, 1080.2 kg silver, and other valuables, all worth over ₹165 crore, besides liquor worth over ₹39.8 crore, ganja valued at ₹22.31 crore and other items/freebies worth ₹39.98 crore have been seized, according to a statement issued by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer.
Since 9 October, when the schedule for the Telangana Assembly elections was announced, till 31 October, the total cumulative seizure by law enforcement agencies is valued at over ₹412.46 crore, it said.
Congress has earlier filed a complaint against the police to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar regarding the poll-related checks. The party claimed that these checks were inconveniencing the general public.
The cops had arrested two Congress workers for allegedly trying to woo voters by distributing pressure cookers at Gopanpally Thanda on 9 October.
They were distributing pressure cookers to woo the voters, allegedly on behalf of Serilingampally constituency Congress leader Raghunath Yadav.
On 10 October, the commissioner’s Task Force (North Zone) and the Banjara Hills police in Hyderabad seized unaccounted-for money worth ₹3.35 crore during a vehicle-checking operation in Banjara Hills.
During the inspection at TV-9 Signal Junction on Road No 3 in Banjara Hills, the passengers of a vehicle were found behaving suspiciously, leading to a thorough search. Subsequently, the unaccounted-for money was discovered concealed within the vehicle.
Further investigation revealed that Chimpireddy Hanumantha Reddy, an employee of a private firm, and the other individuals in the vehicle were involved in the collection and distribution of Hawala amounts across the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
The Income Tax (I-T) Department has formed Quick Response Teams (QRTs) in all 33 districts in Telangana and deployed 150 officers for election duty.
It said a round-the-clock control room and Complaint Monitoring Cell had been set up to receive information or complaints from the general public regarding cash and other items intended for illegitimate use in the election process.
The Complaint Monitoring Cell can be contacted at:
- Toll-free number — 1800-425-1785,
- Landline 040-23426201, 23426202,
- WhatsApp, Telegram – 7013711399,
- e-mail: cleantelanganaelections@incometax.gov.in
Furthermore, Air Intelligence Units (AIU) have been set up at Begumpet Airport and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport for 24×7 surveillance in coordination with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on the movement of cash or valuables.
The AIUs at all other airports in India that have connectivity to Hyderabad have also been informed to be continuously alert on passengers travelling to the Telangana capital.
The Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) app is being used for the first time by ECI in this election for verification of seizure reports.
Telangana goes to polls on 30 November.
(With PTI inputs)
