Six-fold rise in cash seizure from 2013 polls

Bengaluru: These elections money is one of the biggest allurement to buy votes. The amount of unaccounted cash and jewellery, seized by the Directorate of Income Tax (Investigation), Karnataka & Goa since the announcement of the date of Assembly election on April 27 is six times more than what was seized in 2013, said an official spokesperson.

The DGIT till date has seized unaccounted cash of around Rs 31.50 crore and jewellery worth Rs 5.83 crore, which was reportedly being used for election purpose. The Directorate has been very closely monitoring the election expenditure and has set up a 24x7 control room, which receives and acts on complaints from public on misuse of money for election purpose.

It has deputed Investigation officers in all 30 districts to keep a close vigil. “The Income Tax Department has unearthed the entire process of misuse of money; from raising of unaccounted funds to distribution of cash and freebies by the contesting candidates. The information has been shared with the Election Commission, District Election Officers and Chief Electoral Officer for suitable action under the Representation of People’s Act,” he added