Hyderabad: Enforcement agencies have seized Rs18 crore, much of it being hawala money, since the code of conduct came into force in Telangana state for the Lok Sabha elections. The police alleges that this cash belongs to political parties and has handed it over to the income-tax department to track the source.
IPS officer Jithender, the nodal officer for the Lok Sabha election in the state, explained, “Much of the money seized is transported through hawala because the source does not want to be caught directly. The party takes the help of hawala operators or political members.”
He said there was a high possibility of money moving from TS to AP and vice versa. There are around 400 static surveillance teams keeping a check on money flow between the two states, Mr Jithender said. This apart there are around 400 flying squads especially deployed for surveillance. In total 800 teams are deployed are on the ground. The I-T department has deployed its team at the airport to check on the flow of money through air passengers.
Cash seized: Rs 18,07,80,356
Liquor seized: Rs 2.52 crore (2.12 lakh litres)
Narcotics: Rs 2.48 crore
Precious metals Rs 25,44,840
Freebies : Rs 3,93,160
Total: Rs 23.38 crore
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