Chennai: Election flying squads conducting checks across Tamil Nadu have seized cash and other items worth Rs 42.65 crore so far, officials said.
With the Tamil Nadu Assembly election scheduled for April 23, the Model Code of Conduct is in force. To curb cash distribution to voters, the Election Commission has instructed that anyone carrying more than Rs 50,000 must have valid supporting documents.
To enforce the directive, flying squads and static surveillance teams have been deployed across districts. The seizures reported so far include cash worth Rs 2.37 crore and liquor worth Rs 0.18 crore.
According to a statement by Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik, the seized items also include narcotics valued at Rs 2.88 crore, precious metals worth Rs 16.42 crore, and freebies/other materials worth Rs 20.80 crore.
Officials said checks have been intensified to prevent illegal money flow and to stop the distribution of freebies and other prohibited items intended to influence voters.
