Mob snatches Rs 13.4 lakh seized from MP Karti Chidambaram’s office in Karaikudi

SIVAGANGA: A mob snatched Rs 13.44 lakh cash from an election flying squad which had seized it just moments ago from Sivaganga MP Karti Chidambaram’s office after a raid on Monday. Police have arrested one suspect in this connection. He was identified as Palaniyappan, a native of Thirumayam.

Acting on a tip that cash was stored for distributing to voters, an election flying squad led by official Dharmalingam raided Karti’s office premises on Subramaniapuram First Road in Karaikudi. During a search of a shed behind the office, officials recovered two bags and a cloth bag stuffed with currency.

The seizure took a chaotic turn during verification near the flying squad’s vehicle. Palaniyappan insisted that officials count the cash, which totalled Rs 13.44 lakh, and the counting was videographed. Meanwhile, around 30 people gathered at the scene. As officials prepared to secure the cash in their vehicle, the mob suddenly snatched the bags and disappeared.

In order to prevent a chase, an unknown person took away the key of the squad vehicle, leaving the election officials stranded. Upon information, Devakottai sub-collector Ayush Venkat Vats and Karaikudi assistant superintendent of police Ashish Puniya rushed to the spot. Following a complaint by an official, the Karaikudi North police registered a case under Sections 189(2) (unlawful assembly), 132 (anyone who assaults or uses criminal force to deter a public servant from performing their duty), and 310(2) (punishment for dacoity, which occurs when five or more people conjointly commit or attempt to commit robbery) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Police have since remanded Palaniyappan. A hunt has been launched to identify the other members of the mob and recover the robbed cash.


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