Authorities seize Rs 178 cr in cash, gold, liquor and drugs ahead of TN polls

Election officials in Tamil Nadu have seized goods worth Rs 178.78 crore in a targeted drive to prevent illegal inducements and voter influence ahead of the Assembly elections, authorities said on Tuesday. According to Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik, the seizures include Rs 112.37 crore of precious metals, Rs 34.64 crore in cash, freebies valued at Rs 24.22 crore, drugs and narcotics worth Rs 6.76 crore, and liquor valued at Rs 79 lakh, all confiscated since the Model Code of Conduct came into force on March 15.

A multi‑tier enforcement mechanism is in operation across the state. 2,169 Flying Squad teams are functioning 24×7 , responding promptly to complaints via the cVigil app and other channels, while 2,166 Static Surveillance teams are stationed at key checkpoints to inspect vehicles and individuals and prevent unlawful movement of cash, liquor, narcotics, or inducements. Authorities stressed that items without valid documentation or proof of source are liable to seizure under Election Commission rules.

District-level enforcement has highlighted the variety of items intercepted. In Chennai , squads seized smaller sums of unaccounted cash from individuals and party offices. In Coimbatore , officials confiscated 173 stainless steel utensils meant for distribution to voters and nearly Rs 94,000 in undocumented cash during vehicle inspections. Near Red Hills, Chennai , squads seized 46 kg of gold jewellery valued at Rs 65 crore , later referred to the Income Tax Department for verification.

Under Election Commission guidelines, cash above prescribed limits must be supported by invoices or withdrawal slips; without proof, excess amounts can be seized. These measures aim to curb cash‑for‑votes practices , though authorities note that ordinary citizens carrying legitimate funds may also be subject to checks.