IT department establishes mechanism to monitor poll expenses

The Income-Tax department in Hyderabad has deployed 150 officers for election duty to monitor election expenditure. Quick response teams have been formed in all 33 districts, and if cash of more than Rs. 10 lakh is found in a vehicle with suspicion of a crime or connection to a candidate or party functionary, it will be seized and reported to the I-T authority. The department has also set up a control room and complaint monitoring cell to receive public complaints about illegitimate use of cash in the election process. Complaints can be made through various channels including toll-free numbers and email. Air intelligence units have been established at airports for surveillance on the movement of cash and valuables. The election seizure management system app is being used for the first time by the Election Commission of India to verify seizure reports. Seizure reports of Rs. 53.93 crore, 156 kg gold jewellery, and 454 kg silver have been received and Rs. 1.76 crore of unexplained cash has been seized. The investigation directorate is collecting data from various sources to identify suspicious high-value cash transactions. Search and survey actions have resulted in the seizure of Rs. 14.8 crore so far.