Election flying squad teams in Chennai seized gold jewellery and silver articles valued at Rs 77 crore during a vehicle check in Ashok Nagar, officials said.
With the Tamil Nadu Assembly election scheduled in a single phase on April 23, the Model Code of Conduct is in force. As part of enforcement, squads are seizing cash and goods worth over Rs 50,000 when carried without valid documents.
During checks at the 11th Avenue in Ashok Nagar, officials inspected 21 vehicles transporting jewellery and silver items. Documents were produced for 20 vehicles, but one vehicle did not have any supporting papers for the goods it carried.
The seized items were handed over to the Income Tax office in Nungambakkam. On questioning the driver, officials learned that a Guindy-based PVC Logistics firm had dispatched jewellery purchased from traders in Sowcarpet for transport to other states; authorities are continuing inquiries with the private firm.
Officials added that since the Model Code came into effect, flying squads across the state have seized goods worth Rs 189 crore that were being moved without proper documentation.
