₹15.90 lakh unaccounted cash seized in Thoothukudi, says District Election Officer

Thoothukudi District Collector and District Election Officer (DEO) K. Elambahavath said that a total of ₹15.90 lakh of unaccounted cash has been seized across the district as of Wednesday morning along with goodies worth ₹19,780.

He made this statement while addressing the media, following the inauguration of voters awareness programme at Kamaraj Women’s College in Thoothukudi.

Mr. Elambahavath said that since the implementation of the model code of conduct, flying squad teams and static surveillance teams have been conducting vehicle checks across the district and have seized unaccounted cash being transported by individuals as well as gifts intended for distribution during elections.

He noted that both flying and static surveillance teams are operating in vehicles fitted with GPS and complaints received at the control room are being investigated by nearby flying squads, adding that the seized amount would be released, after the submission of rightful documents.

“General observers, expenditure observers and police observers appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) will be visiting the district today (Wednesday) and they will examine information and send a report to the election commission,” Mr. Elambahavath said.

District Collector K.Ellambahavath interacts with first time voters in Thoothukudi on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit:
N. RAJESH

Earlier, while addressing the students at the inauguration of voters awareness programmes, he emphasised that India is embodiment of democracy and mother of democratic nations, with around 100 crore people eligible to vote to and change the government. He urged the young and first time voters to exercise their franchise and uphold the spirit of democracy.

He also visited the rangoli competition and awareness card making competition , and distributed certificates to winners. Students also took the voter awareness pledge administered by the District Collector.

District Revenue Officer M. Guruchandran, Assistant Collector (training) Bhuvanesh Ram and other officials were present.