Income tax sleuths conduct searches in Salem North constituency

SALEM: Income tax sleuths, backed by election flying squad teams, police and paramilitary forces, carried out extensive searches on the premises of people allegedly close to tourism minister R Rajendran in Salem North constituency on Tuesday. Income tax department sources said the searches were being conducted based on intelligence that a large sum of money was being stashed in the constituency ahead of the April 23 election. Income tax sleuths searched the residences and commercial properties of DMK functionaries, including its Kannankurichi town secretary Tamilarasan and labour union zonal secretary ATC Mani. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior income tax officer said, “We received credible information about large-scale cash movements in Salem North. Our teams are verifying every lead to ensure that money power does not influence the election.” Another officer said, “We are conducting searches at rented houses reportedly used as supply points. The monitoring will continue until polling day.” Reports surfaced that a real estate owner in Vazhapadi had allegedly funnelled Rs 40 crore along with silk saris and other goods into Salem North for distribution to voters. Officials said inquiries were under way.