Election authorities seized a large sum of cash during a surprise inspection at a residence linked to Congress candidate Amirtharaj, who is contesting from Srivaikundam in Thoothukudi district.
According to officials, a flying squad led by officer Ponmari conducted the raid on Wednesday evening after receiving information that money had been stocked for last-minute distribution to voters. Amirtharaj was not present at the house at the time of the search, and a man identified as Suresh from Kachanavilai was found there.
During the search, the team recovered Rs 62,49,000 in bundles of Rs 500 notes. As no supporting documents were produced, the cash was seized and handed over to the election conducting officer.
A case has been registered by Thenpakkam police, who are questioning Suresh. Income Tax officials also carried out checks at the premises, while an AIADMK lawyers’ team submitted a petition to the Collector seeking searches at the candidate’s and relatives’ houses.
In a separate incident in Nanguneri, Tirunelveli district, a flying squad vehicle check led to the seizure of Rs 30 lakh from two men travelling on a two-wheeler. Police said the duo, identified as Muthukrishnan and Paramasivan, were DMK members and the money was allegedly meant for distribution to voters; a case has been filed.
