The Election Commission of India has increased monitoring in Chennai ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for April 23. As part of these efforts, flying squads and static surveillance teams carried out vehicle checks across the city on Wednesday and seized nearly Rs 3 lakh in unaccounted cash.
These checks are being conducted to prevent illegal activities such as bribing voters and the movement of unaccounted money during the election period. Officials are closely monitoring vehicles and individuals to ensure that all election rules are followed properly.
According to Election Commission guidelines, any goods worth more than Rs 10,000 without proper documents can be seized. Similarly, if a person is carrying more than Rs 50,000 in cash without valid proof, the money can be taken by officials. However, authorities have clarified that the seized cash can be returned if the person later provides the required documents.
To carry out these checks effectively, a total of 48 flying squads and 48 static surveillance teams have been deployed across Chennai district. These teams are working in three shifts every day to ensure round-the-clock monitoring.
During Wednesday’s operations, different teams reported multiple seizures. Flying squads seized Rs 55,400 in the Velachery constituency. Static surveillance teams seized Rs 51,000 in Dr Radhakrishnan Nagar and Rs 1,89,900 in the Harbour constituency.
Altogether, the total amount seized during the day reached Rs 2,96,300. Officials said that such checks will continue until the elections are completed to ensure a free and fair voting process.
Authorities have also urged the public to cooperate with the teams and carry proper documents if they are transporting large amounts of cash or goods. These measures are part of the Election Commission’s efforts to maintain transparency and prevent any misuse of money during the elections.