Chennai: The Income Tax department seized cash worth Rs 1.48 crore in Theni that was allegedly stashed to bribe voters in the district. While reports made rounds that the cash belonged to AMMK, the Dhinakaran-led party was quick to refute such claims.
A report about the seizure has been sent to the Election Commission by the District Collector, based on which further action will be taken.
The unaccounted cash consisting mostly of Rs 500 denominations in 94 packets had details of voters, the ward number and the amount of Rs 300 per head, said I-T Director General (investigations), B Murali Kumar, after the overnight raids concluded at 5.30 am.
“All these wards are within the Andipatti assembly segment which is going to bypoll tomorrow,” the officer said. Kumar added that the premises belongs to a functionary of the AMMK.
The tax department had launched a search at a store in Theni on Tuesday night following inputs about suspected cash. During the raids, police had to open fire in the air to disperse supporters of AMMK who objected to the action.