Election authorities on Friday claimed to have seized Rs 86.96 lakh cash and registered 48 cases for violations in Tamil Nadu since the Model Code of Conduct came into force for the May 16 assembly elections.

After the code came into force on March 4, the seizure of cash and 115 gas stoves worth Rs.1.88 lakh were made in various regions, including Salem, Krishnagiri, Karur, Tirupur, Chennai and Nilgiris, an official release said in Chennai.

Besides, 48 FIRs have been lodged so far for various electoral offences in regions including Madurai and Cuddalore, he said.

Chief Electoral officer (CEO) Rajesh Lakhoni had already announced cash or goods without proper supporting documents will be seized since the Model Code of Conduct is in place.

He had also announced that district authorities including revenue officials will return the seized cash if proper documents were produced to prove that it was for legitimate purposes.