Shimla: To keep tab on the undisclosed money during the parliamentary election, the Election Commission of India has issued instructions that any person carrying undisclosed cash would be kept under close surveillance and necessary action would be taken under the provisions of Income Tax Act, 1961.
Narinder Chauhan, Chief Electoral Officer, said that as per the directions of the Commission, Directorate of Investigation, Income Tax Department would seize the cash as reported by Static and Mobile Surveillance teams in the State, if the same was not properly explained before the Income Tax Authorities.
Chief Electoral Officer advised citizens to carry documentary evidence in support of possession or transportation of cash in excess of Rs. 10 lakhs. Person carrying cash received from the sale of property should carry copy of agreement or registered deed. A businessman withdrawing cash from bank should produce bank statement. Any cash carried which was to be deposited in the bank should be accompanied by copy of cash book of the business concern. He said that the seized cash be remitted in the lockers and Mal-Khanas at the Police Stations or Treasury after informing the Income Tax team.
Chauhan said that wherever large scale availability of cash was suspected or the information received during the election process and the person concerned could not explain the possession of cash or other valuables to the satisfaction of the inquiring officers, the Income Tax Department may search the office and residence premises of such person under Search and Seizure provisions of the Income Tax Act.
He said that the Income Tax Department would also keep vigil over all the hotels and farm houses and collect daily information from the hotel management or its owners regarding any suspicious movement of cash or gift. He said that the complaint received about availability of large amount of cash in a business premises or residence, necessary action would be taken with the help of police and executive magistrate under the Income Tax Laws. He further said that if large amount of withdrawal of cash takes place from the bank by any person was reported by the bank, the Income Tax Department shall take necessary action under the Income Tax Laws.
