I-T dept seizes ₹45 lakh in cash since poll date announcement

DEHRADUN: The income tax (I-T) department has seized cash worth ₹45 lakh in the state since implementation of model code of conduct on January 8 in its efforts to “stop misuse of cash in the ongoing election process”.

The information was shared by director general I-T (investigation) in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Mohan Kumar Singhania while addressing a virtual press conference on the actions being taken by the department to “stop misuse of money in elections by parties and candidates”.

“Till date since the announcement of poll dates on January 8, the department has seized total ₹45 lakh cash on various occasions. The cash was seized after proper probe as per the norms during which the people carrying them couldn’t present evidence of their source and tax paid on it,” said the Singhania.

He said during the last assembly elections in 2017, a total of ₹24 lakh was seized while in 2019 general election the amount of cash seized was ₹ 1.71cr.

On the amount of cash being allowed to carry by person amid the election, the senior officer said, “There is no issue in carrying cash up to ₹2-2.50 lakh because as per the I-T norms, income up to ₹2.50 lakh is tax free. However, it is advisable that the person carrying the amount also carries proper evidence of the source of income of copy of ledger stating its withdrawal from bank account. If he fails to produce them, then action might be taken.”

Singhania said the department was “fully prepared to take all necessary steps to stop the misuse of cash in the election process.”

“Under that the department has set up a control room in Dehradun with toll free numbers18001804154 and 18001804227 through which any citizen can inform the department about any cash being carried by anyone for the purpose of usage in elections. However, the information being provided should be specific and close to accurate. It should not be a false one,” said Singhania.

“The department has also formed quick reaction teams compromising two officers and two inspectors in each team for all the 13 districts. They would respond on the ground after receiving any input about misuse of cash.”