Chennai:Election flying squads seized unaccounted cash totalling Rs. 47.10 lakh during a series of vehicle and premises checks in the Madurantakam Assembly constituency on Saturday ahead of the October 6 by-poll.

The seizure comes a day before campaigning for the by-election is scheduled to end. The Election Commission has deployed 12 flying squads in the constituency to conduct intensive checks, particularly to prevent the distribution of cash to voters.

During a vehicle check near Ramapuram, close to Madurantakam, a flying squad intercepted a car travelling from Vandavasi towards Chennai. On checking the vehicle, officials found Rs. 31.30 lakh allegedly concealed inside it and seized the cash.

Another car checked in the same area was found carrying Rs. 80,000, which was also seized.

In a separate check on Acharapakkam Bazaar Street, officials intercepted a car and found Rs. 2 lakh being carried without supporting documents. The amount was subsequently seized.

Later, during a check at a private lodge near Sothupakkam, the flying squad found Rs. 13 lakh in the possession of a person who allegedly could not produce documents to account for the cash.

The four seizures together amounted to Rs. 47.10 lakh. The officials handed over the seized cash to the treasury at the Madurantakam taluk office.

Polling in the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly constituencies is scheduled for Oct. 6, with counting set for Oct. 9.


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