Election Commission seeks report on I-T department's seizure of 'bribe' cash in Tamil Nadu

The Income-Tax Department yesterday seized Rs 1.48 crore cash stashed allegedly by supporters of TTV Dhinakaran's AMMK party to bribe voters in Tamil Nadu's Theni district, where an assembly bypoll is scheduled today.

Against the backdrop of the Income Tax (I-T) department seizing cash allegedly meant to bribe voters in Tamil Nadu, the Election Commission on Wednesday sought a detailed report from poll authorities there.

Chennai: Against the backdrop of the Income Tax (I-T) department seizing cash allegedly meant to bribe voters in Tamil Nadu, the Election Commission on Wednesday sought a detailed report from poll authorities there. "Once the report is received, we will take a considered view. A decision can even be taken on election day," an official said. The Income-Tax Department yesterday seized Rs 1.48 crore cash stashed allegedly by supporters of TTV Dhinakaran's AMMK party to bribe voters in Tamil Nadu's Theni district, where an assembly bypoll is scheduled today. Unaccounted cash worth Rs 1.48 crore was seized. It was neatly packed in 94 packets and envelops on which the ward number, number of voters and the amount of Rs 300 per voter was written, I-T Director General (investigations) B Murali Kumar said, after the overnight raids concluded at 5:30 AM. "All these wards are within the Andipatti assembly segment which is going to bypoll tomorrow," the officer added. The tax department had launched a search at a store Tuesday night following inputs about suspected cash being stashed at a location. During the raids, police had to open fire in the air to disperse supporters of the AMMK ( Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam) who objected to the action. The tax official said the "sworn statement of the person present on the premises was recorded and he said that Rs 2 crore in cash was brought in there for distribution to voters in Andipatti panchayat union area on April 16." Describing the raids, the official said initially a group of party workers overpowered the flying squad persons, comprising district EC authorities and I-T officials, standing guard outside the premises. The workers allegedly also broke open the door and snatched some cash packets.