To curb the use of black money in February 20 Punjab Assembly elections, the Income Tax Department’s Directorate of Investigation has set up a control room with a toll-free number 1800-345-1545, inviting information or complaints. Elaborate arrangements have been made by the IT Department to check use of black money under the mandate of the Election Commission of India.
The control room established by the Department was function round the clock, and the people can call on the toll free helpline number to furnish specific information relating to cash or other valuable suspected to be used for unduly influencing the election process, said an official spokesperson of the IT Department, adding that callers’ identities would be kept confidential.
Spokesperson said that the teams of officers and inspectors had also been deputed in each district to take prompt actions on the complaints in their respective districts. “Based on the authenticity of information and after due enquiry, appropriate action for seizing the cash etc would be initiated as per law,” added the spokesperson.
For this purpose, the Department has already deputed 80 officers and inspectors, who will act in close coordination with the District Control Room of the District Election Officer as well as other agencies. A close surveillance was also being maintained over persons, places and activities likely to be involved in handling of unaccounted cash during the election process.
Spokesperson added that air intelligence units (AIUs) had also been made functional at all airports in the state as well as airports having commercial flights to the State, which were keeping a strict vigil over movement of cash by air. Similarly, movement of cash etc through railways is also being monitored in coordination with the railway authorities.
That was not all! The Directorate shall also examine the affidavits of the candidates declaring their assets and liabilities and, if any suppression of information relating to thereto is noticed, the same will be reported to the Election Commission. Similarly, if any incriminating information relating to election expenses by candidates is gathered, the same will also be reported to the Election Commission.