PANJIM: Income Tax Department is investigating the major haul of Rs 26 lakh, which were seized from a Maharashtra origin person at Dabolim airport last month.
Joint Chief Electoral Officer Narayan Navti told reporters that the money being brought to Goa during election is not ruled out. Income Tax Department is thoroughly
probing whether the seizure is related to poll, he said.
The election machinery is on alert at State’s borders, railway stations and airport to ensure that money does not flow into the State, which can be used to influence voters.
The authorities are investigating the major haul involving one K Shivanna, hailing from Sawantwadi, who was carrying this cash. He was apprehended while landing in Goa.
Navti said that there are no clues as to from where the cash had arrived.
Election Commission has mentioned that an amount of more than Rs 2.5 lakh would be under scanner of Income Tax Department to avoid possibility of using money power.
Instructions have also been issued to the banks to monitor transactions above Rs 2.5 lakh.
In yet another development, flying squad of Election Commission searched Aruna, wife of BJP’s St Andre candidate Vishnu Wagh. An anonymous caller had complained that Aruna, who is campaigning for her husband, was distributing money.
Navti said that there was no cash found with her except for Rs 1,000. Aruna was in the Agassaim area when she was searched.
