A whopping INR 1.4 crore seized in poll-bound Nagaland state

Kohima, Feb. 2 (EMN): A Static Surveillance team had on February 1 afternoon seized a whopping INR 1.4 crore (Rupees one crore four lakh) in poll-bound Nagaland on Wednesday.

Confirming this to Eastern Mirror the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Election Officer (DEO), Shanavas C, said the cash was seized at Khuzama inter-state check gate in Kohima district at around 2-2:30 pm from a Manipur-bound vehicle in the possession of a lady.

He informed that as per the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines, seizure of more than INR 10 lakh have to be informed to the Income Tax (IT) department and the same was intimated, after which the IT team rushed to Khuzama and initiated necessary procedures that continued till late Wednesday night.

The Income Tax department has taken cognizance of the case, said Shanavas, adding that all appeals by the person and others shall be done through the IT department.

The official informed that the case will be concluded within seven days after ascertaining if it is election-related money or a genuine one, while maintaining that ‘it is too early to comment if it is election money or any other’.

If it is related to election, it will be the first time to seize cash of this magnitude this year even though we have already seized other items like Contrabands, Areca nuts and others, it was informed.

Meanwhile, the officer informed that the Static Surveillance team and flying squad are stationed in all the assembly constituencies and that strict action will be initiated against any person caught indulging in such activities.