In a significant achievement, the Income Tax Department has reported a record seizure of Rs 1100 crore in cash and jewellery amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. This figure marks a remarkable 182 percent increase from the Rs 390 crore seized during the 2019 elections, according to sources.
By May 30, the department had seized approximately Rs 1100 crore worth of unaccounted assets. Delhi and Karnataka emerged as the states with the highest seizures, each accounting for more than Rs 200 crore in cash and jewellery. Tamil Nadu followed closely with Rs 150 crore, while Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha collectively accounted for over Rs 100 crore.
The Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which was enforced on March 16 following the Election Commission of India's announcement of election dates, has spurred vigilant monitoring by the Income Tax Department. Their efforts have focused on preventing unaccounted cash and valuables from being used to influence voters.
Central agencies have been on high alert to ensure compliance with election guidelines, monitoring the movement of cash, liquor, freebies, drugs, jewellery, and other potential voter incentives since the MCC's implementation. Each state has established 24x7 control rooms dedicated to intercepting illegal movements of cash and valuables.
Sources from India TV highlighted the exceptional vigilance in Delhi and Karnataka, attributing the substantial seizures in these states to enhanced monitoring and enforcement measures.
