PUBJAB POLLS 2022: IT to keep a close tab on use of Black Money in elections

JALANDHAR, 25 JANUARY: The Directorate of Investigation of the Income Tax Department has developed sophisticated measures for limiting the use of black money in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha elections-2022, as mandated by the Election Commission of India. The agency has also established a control room with a toll-free number of 1800-345-1545 where information and complaints can be filed.

An official representative for the IT department stated in this regard that the department’s control room was operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People might phone the toll-free helpline number to provide precise information about cash or other valuables suspected of being used to sway the electoral process unfairly, he said.

The callers’ identities would be kept private. He added that teams of officers and inspectors had been delegated to each district in order to respond quickly to concerns in their jurisdictions. He stated that appropriate action for seizing cash and other assets would be taken in accordance with the law based on the veracity of the information and after a thorough investigation. For this aim, the agency has already delegated 80 officers and inspectors, who will work closely with the District Control Room of the District Election Officer, as well as other agencies. He also stated that persons, places, and activities likely to be implicated in the handling of unaccounted funds during the election were being closely monitored.

The spokesperson also stated that air intelligence units (AIUs) had been established at all state airports as well as airports with commercial flights to the state, and that they were keeping a close eye on currency transfer by air. Similarly, the transit of cash and other valuables across railways is controlled in collaboration with railway officials. He went on to say that information on cash withdrawals from bank accounts that surpass a specific threshold is being received and reviewed in order to identify suspicious transactions and take relevant action.

In addition, the Directorate shall investigate the candidates’ affidavits disclosing their assets and liabilities and, if any suppression of information is discovered, the same shall be submitted to the Election Commission. Similarly, if any damning information about candidate election expenses is gathered, it will be forwarded to the Election Commission.