Flying Squad Teams (FSTs) and Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) set up to implement the model code of conduct for the April 18 Lok Sabha elections, seized foreign currencies, laptops, wrist watches and unaccounted cash in two different operations in the district on Saturday.
Teams led by Rajagopal, Block Development Officer (BDO), Nainarkoil, were conducting a a vehicle check at the Pattinamkathan – East Coast Road junction when they intercepted a car and seized cash of ₹ one lakh, Singapore dollars amounting to ₹25,49,002 and Malaysian Ringgit amounting to ₹1,68,474.
Officials said the unaccounted cash and foreign currencies were seized from one P. Parimanan, a Malaysian Indian. Enquiries revealed that he has come to India on a tourist visa to attend a marriage function at Panaikulam near Devipattinam.
In another operation, teams led by Rajendran, BDO, Thiruvadanai, intercepted a car at CK Mangalam check post near Thiruvadanai and seized 14 laptops, 160 wrist watches and cash of ₹ two lakh from one S Mohamed Yusuf of Sakkarakottai. Yusuf told the officials that he had procured the laptops and watches for sale.
Displaying the seized cash and other items to reporters here, Collector K. Veera Raghava Rao, who is the District Election Officer (DEO), said officials have given acknowledgements to the two persons after making the seizures. The seized cash and items have been handed over to the treasury office, he said.
The two persons could take back the cash and other items after producing necessary proof and documents within seven days, failing which, cases would be registered against them, Mr. Rao said. With this, the FSTs and SSTs have seized cash and items for total value of ₹43.27 lakh, he said.
Referring to the seizure of foreign currencies he said the custom and immigration officials have been informed for necessary action. The office of DEO has also formed four video surveillance teams, a video viewing team and an accounting team to prevent violation of model code of conduct.
