I-T dept sets up toll-free no. for bypoll plaints

Under the mandate of the Election Commission of India (EC), the Directorate of Investigation of the Income Tax Department has made elaborate arrangements for curbing the use of black money in the upcoming four Assembly by-elections in Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal, Gidderbaha and Barnala.

A control room, with a toll-free number (1800-180-2141) and a WhatsApp number (7589166713) has been set up at the Income Tax office in Jalandhar for receiving information/complaints in this regard and round the clock. People have been asked to call on the number and furnish specific information relating to cash or other valuables suspected to being used for unduly influencing the election process. The identities of the callers would be kept confidential, read the press release that was issued by the department.

Teams of officers and inspectors have been placed in the district to act on the complaints. Based on the authenticity of the information and after due inquiry, appropriate action for seizing the cash would be taken in appropriate cases as per the law, said the order. These teams will be acting in close coordination with the District Control Room of the District Election Officer (DEO) as well as other agencies at the district-level. Close surveillance is being maintained over persons, places and activities, likely to be involved in the handling of unaccounted cash during the election process.

Air Intelligence Units (AIUs) are functional at all the airports as well as at airports having commercial flights to the state. These units are keeping a strict vigil over movement of cash by air. Similarly, movement of cash through trains is also being monitored in coordination with the railways authorities.

“Information relating to cash withdrawals from bank accounts, exceeding a certain limit, is being received and processed for identifying suspect transactions and taking appropriate action. The Directorate shall also examine the affidavits of the candidates, declaring their assets and liabilities, and if any suppression of information relating thereto is noticed, the same will be reported to the Election Commission. Similarly, if any incriminating information relating to the election expenses by candidates is gathered, the same will also be reported to the Election Commission,” the release of the department read further.