I-T dept sets up 24/7 control room for info on cash movements

The election to the constituency was cancelled after seizure of cash over Rs 11.5 crore from a DMK sympathiser in the constituency, which was allegedly kept for distribution among voters.

The Income Tax Department on March 30, had conducted searches on the premises belonging to DMK functionaries and seized the cash which was kept ready for alleged distribution among voters to influence them to vote for DMK candidate Kathir Anand, son of Duraimurugan, treasure of the party. Following the seizure, the Election Commission had cancelled the polls for the Vellore constituency. Fresh election is scheduled on August 5.

In a press release issued by the Income Tax Department, the joint director of I-T has asked the public to pass on information on huge cash movement to toll free number: 18004256669, fax number: 044-28262357, email : itcontrol.chn@gov.in and WhatsApp number : 9445467707.

Terming the setting up of a control room as a proactive step, the official said that the control room will be functional 24/7. The Election Commission has sought assistance of the Income Tax Department to monitor election expenditure surveillance. The role of the directorate general of the Income Tax (investigation) is to provide assistance for free and fair elections by controlling unaccounted funds playing havoc in the election process, the release noted.