GUWAHATI: The Income Tax department has set up a round-the-clock control room in Assam to check use of black money in the ensuing Assembly elections, an official statement said on Tuesday.It urged citizens to contact the control room with any credible information regarding suspicious movement or distribution of cash, precious metals or other valuables in connection with the elections, adding that the identity of the informant will remain confidential.
Elections for the 126-member state Assembly will be held on April 9, and votes will be counted on May 4.The statement said the control room has been set up in a bid to assist the Election Commission in “curbing the role of black money in elections”.“During the period of the Model Code of Conduct, the Directorate of Income Tax (Investigation), North Eastern Region, Guwahati will maintain strict vigil on the movement of unaccounted cash, bullion, precious metals and other valuables that are likely or suspected to be used for electoral purposes within the state,” it said.As part of these measures, a 24×7 Control Room has been established at the Aayakar Bhawan in Guwahati.Mobile number/WhatsApp 9401085214, mobile number/WhatsApp 9181324184, landline number 0361-2340396 and email: ssamelections26[at]gmail[dot]com have been made operational for the public to “report credible information regarding suspicious movement or distribution of cash, bullion, precious metals or other valuables in connection with the elections,” it said.Urging the public to reach out through the communication channels, the statement added, “Informants are not required to disclose personal details such as name or identity. However, it is essential that the information shared is credible and actionable.”The control room will be functional until the completion of the election process, it said.
