Official who led raids in Vellore made spl expenditure observer

His order of appointment was issued by the Election Commission.Kumar, a 1983-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, had led the tax team that raided and searched the premises of different political party workers that resulted in seizure of Rs 11.53 crore in “black money” that was allegedly being pumped into elections to this seat.

The officer retired from the post of Director General (investigation) last month and according to EC sources, he was found to be the “most suitable” to be appointed special observer for the forthcoming polls to the lone LS seat which is sensitive from the point of view of use of black money and other illegal inducements.

“It will be my effort to implement the model code of conduct in true spirit. We will work to ensure that the polls are conducted in a free and fair manner,” Kumar, who has earlier worked in the Delhi investigation wing of the tax department and the home ministry, said.

Under his command, the Chennai I-T probe wing had submitted a report of illegal money power being used in Vellore seat to the poll panel with a strong recommendation to cancel the election as “incriminating” amount of black money was being pumped into the constituency to “lure maximum number of the voters.” With the 2019 general elections, the EC had begun appointing special expenditure observers in sensitive constituencies. At least three other retired IRS (Income Tax) officers were appointed in this capacity.