Tamil Nadu Elections 2016: Rs 100 crore unaccounted cash seized so far

As of Wednesday, unaccounted cash seizures in Tamil Nadu have touched around Rs 100 crore. IT officials have been conducting raids at the houses of AIADMK and DMK party men and the amount of money seized this time will be one of the highest in the history of Indian elections, according to a report in Deccan Chronicle.

The report adds that the total figure could be a massive Rs 120 crore, according to an official. The income tax department is leading from the front and additional squads comprising central paramilitary staff are part of the raid teams. The model code of conduct came into effect in the first week of March and cash seizures started then. Raids have been intensified over the last few weeks. The nominations for the upcoming elections in the state were filed on April 22 and so far, the raids have yielded large amounts of unaccounted cash. 

At this point, there are more than 6,000 flying and static surveillance squads in service to check that the model code of conduct is adhered to. Poll officials have returned cash of around Rs 37 crore and more such returns and seizures are expected in the next few weeks, the report said.

Chief electoral officer Rajesh Lakhoni said that freebies have not yet been accounted for and this could amount to crores. Raids will continue till the elections are over.