Chennai: Traders have lodged a complaint that police and revenue personnel, part of flying squads, are demanding a cut to release money seized during cash for votes check and if found guilty, they will be suspended, Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Lakhoni warned on Saturday. It may be noted that a few days ago DC had reported on flying squad’s connivance and how government staff harass public.
Responding to complaints, Lakhoni said the complaints would be viewed seriously and noted that a tashildar in Kancheepuram district had been transferred following a complaint and is facing inquiry.
Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangangalin Peramaipu president Vikrama Raja who submitted a petition to CEO, told reporters that the official had been briefed about the difficulties faced by public and traders. Despite earlier instructions that public can carry up to Rs 50,000, flying squads were harassing traders. In Nagapattinam, traders were searched and treated badly for possessing Rs 43,000 on Friday night. Lakhoni said cash possession will be allowed up to Rs 1 lakh and “we have requested poll officials to help traders by allowing them to carry cash up to Rs 3 lakh”, he added.
According to an official release, cash totalling Rs 9.64 crore has been confiscated from different parts of the state. So far 1.43 lakh complaints, mostly related with poll violations like posters and banners, had been received and were being looked into.
