NE POLITICAL BUREAU
CHENNAI, APR 1
In a strong message against the movement of unaccounted money during elections, Chennai Customs, in coordination with the Income Tax Department and CISF, intercepted ₹32.98 lakh in unaccounted currency at Chennai Airport during heightened poll surveillance.
- Joint op by Chennai Customs, IT Dept & CISF amid MCC surveillance
- Passengers fail to justify cash haul; probe handed over for suspected poll misuse
The seizure was made on March 29 from two male passengers who arrived from Madurai on Air India Flight AI 2740, following specific intelligence inputs amid enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for the Tamil Nadu elections.
Cash Without Proof Raises Red Flag
Officials said: “Upon detailed examination of the passengers’ baggage, a total amount of ₹32.98 lakh in Indian and foreign currency was recovered.”
The haul included approximately 31,500 USD and ₹2.5 lakh in Indian currency.
“The passengers were unable to provide satisfactory explanation or valid documentation for the possession and transport of such a large amount of cash,” officials added.
Election Angle Under Scanner
Given the suspected link to unaccounted income and potential election misuse, authorities confirmed:
“The case has been handed over to the Income Tax Department for further investigation and necessary action.”
Zero Tolerance During Poll Season
Reinforcing strict enforcement, officials stated: “This detection underscores the strengthened inter-agency coordination and proactive vigilance being maintained at Chennai Airport to prevent any illegal movement.”
They added that intensified checks are now in place even at domestic terminals to curb illegal cash flow and contraband during the election period.
