JALANDHAR
Under the mandate of the Election Commission of India, the Directorate of Investigation of Income Tax Department has made elaborate arrangements for curbing the use of Black Money in the upcoming election to the Bye-Election to Assembly of Punjab (10-Dera Baba Nanak, 44- Chhabbewal (SC), 84-Gidderbaha and 103-Barnala Assembly Constituencies).
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, Jalandhar for receiving information/complaints for the Punjab State in this regard. It is operational round the clock. People are encouraged to call this number and furnish specific information relating to cash or other valuables suspected to be used for unduly influencing the election process. The identities of the callers will be kept confidential.
Teams of officers and inspectors have been placed in the district to act on the complaints relating to a particular district. Based on the authenticity of information and after due inquiry, appropriate action for seizing the cash, etc. will be taken in appropriate cases as per law. These teams will be acting in close coordination with the District Control Room of the District Election Officer (DEO) as well as the other agencies at the District Level. Close surveillance is being maintained over persons, places and activities likely to be involved in handling of unaccounted cash during the election process.
Air Intelligence Units (AIUs) are functional at all the airports in the State of Punjab as well as at airports having commercial flights to the State. These units are keeping the strict vigil over movement of cash by Air. Similarly, movement of cash, etc. through Railways is also being monitored in co-ordination with Railway 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.