During the 2011 elections, the Election Commission had seized Rs 60.10 crore from various parts of Tamil Nadu. If that was the total collection of unaccounted cash in 2011, this election is already starting to break records.
Even though alliances have not been finalized and candidates have not been announced this year, the election authorities have already seized over Rs 11 crore cash in the state where the Model Code of Conduct had come into effect on March 4.
The Static Surveillance Teams and Flying Squads have seized Rs 11.60 crore up till March 20, the Election Commission of India said.
The cash, being carried sans proper supporting documents, had been deposited with the government treasury and a probe was on, a release quoting state Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Lakhoni said.
Over 6.57 lakh ml of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), scores of items like gas stoves, stainless steel pots, rice bags and cricket bats had also been seized by officials.
Complaints had been registered in connection with transporting cigarette cartons, dhotis and sarees and aluminium bars, all of which were being carried without permission in different parts of the state, it said.
Elections to 234 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu are scheduled on May 16.