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The Income Tax (I-T) Department is all fully to curb illegal distribution of cash in the ensuing elections.
A round-the-clock control room is functional across different circles of the department to tackle the problem as the Model Code of Conduct for the elections to the Lok Sabha and four State Legislatures comes into effect.
The investigation wing is handling the task and people can share information across the country over the phone. “Any complaint regarding the distribution of cash, freebies or any inducement by any person or parties can be shared with the department,’’ it said in a notification.
‘Big issue’
Cash for votes and other inducements have been a major concern of late.
The data from Election Commission and other enforcing agencies show that in elections to State Legislatures, held in 2018 and 2016, resulted in a seizure of over ₹1200 crore in cash and other valuables.
In Telangana, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, which went to polls in 2018, ₹137 crore, ₹125 crore and ₹52 crore were seized respectively.
Similarly, in 2016, elections were marked by the seizure of ₹113 crore in Tamil Nadu, ₹138 crore in Kerala, ₹78 crore in West Bengal, ₹95 crore in Assam and ₹21 crore in Puducherry.
“The stakes are generally high in Lok Sabha polls and we are expecting illegal movement of cash to increase. Involving people in the process will pay off well. There have been good tip-offs in previous occasions,’’ said a senior I-T Department official.
The identity and details of the people sharing the information will be kept confidential.
On alert
However, other agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate, revenue intelligence, economic intelligence, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and police will also be on alert.
Once the money is seized, the Election Commission and I-T Department will ascertain the purpose and the matter will be processed as per the existing norms of I-T returns and penalties. Some of it could also be returned to the owners, if things are accounted for.
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