With
a view to curb use of black money and likely inducement of Voters in the
Assembly Election, 2016 comprehensive instructions have been issued by the
Commission, which include formation of flying squads, static surveillance
teams, video surveillance teams etc. with involvement of Police and other agencies
such as Investigation Directorates of Income Tax Department, Customs etc.
State Excise Departments and Police authorities have been asked to monitor
production, distribution, sale and storage of liquor and other intoxicants
during the election process.
2. 702
flying squads have been deployed in the state from the date of announcement of
the elections i.e. 4th March 2016. 712 Static surveillance teams have also
been deployed in all constituencies. Complaints relating to transportation
of illegal cash, liquor, narcotics are being monitored round the clock.
3. The
notification for General Elections to Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly was issued
on 22nd April 2016, and to prevent abuse of money power, the Election Commission
of India has taken several proactive steps and has involved different enforcement
agencies, including the Investigation Wing of the Income tax Dept., which have
made elaborate arrangements across the state for taking prompt action including
conduct of search and seizure operations.
4.
As per report received from the Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu, on
22nd April 2016, the Income Tax Investigation Wing in Tamil Nadu
carried out search and seizure operations in and around Chennai. The search
based on intelligence developed by the Investigation Wing has resulted in
seizure of Rs. 5.2 crore cash (approximately). The money seized was not
related to normal business activity of the group and major part of it is suspected
to be linked with hawala operations and was likely to be used in the upcoming
election of Tamil Nadu.
5.
On the same day, i.e. 22nd April 2016, based on a tip-off, the Investigation
Wing also conducted a search at Karur District in Tamil Nadu and recovered Rs.
4.77 crore in cash. Goods worth over one crore rupees in the form of dhotis and
sarees etc, suspected to be used for inducement of voters, were found in the
premise and the same has been placed under restraint.
5.
In addition, the Flying Squad in Coimbatore South Assembly Constituency
seized an amount of Rupees 1.35 crore in the morning of 22nd April 2016 from
two passengers travelling by an interstate bus, who were carrying the cash
without any supporting advance.
6.
Prior to this an amount of Rupees 35.66 Crore had been seized in
Tamil Nadu by various expenditure monitoring teams after announcement of
elections in March 2016. The Commission has directed vigilance and
monitoring to be stepped up across the state in the run up to the elections and
number of such search and seizure actions will be further intensified to curb
any such unaccounted money gaining access to the electoral process. Movement of
cash, liquor and gift items will be strictly monitored. Strict action will be
taken against persons attempting to induce voters by
bribing. The Commission has directed all enforcement agencies in unequivocal
terms that they should come down heavily on the offenders in all such cases.
Prejudiced conduct of any member of election expenditure monitoring team will
also be viewed very seriously and strict action will be taken against such
erring personnel.
7. The
Commission has further strengthened its strategy for dealing with the misuse of
money in the elections. This, inter alia, involve increase in the number of
Flying Squads and SSTs, inclusion of officials from the Central Govt and
Central PSUs in the Flying Squad Teams, deployment of Central Police Forces
personnel including in the Flying Squads etc. Teams of Special Observers
have been deployed in the state to review the preparedness. Further, the number
of Expenditure Observers has been increased several times. Probationary
Officers of the Indian Police Service will also be deployed in each district to
actively participate in Expenditure Monitoring and operation of the Flying
Squads.
8. The
Commission has also directed to mount the campaign for ethical voting and
encourage members of political parties, candidates and voters at large to take
pledge for ethical voting.
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RM/