Salem: Of the cash and gift items seized to the tune of Rs8 crore in Salem district after the model code of conduct came into force, items worth Rs4.49 crore still remain unclaimed in the district treasury as parties concerned are yet to approach officials with valid documents for their release.Model code of conduct had come into effect in the state immediately after the announcement of the election schedule. To prevent distribution of cash and gifts to voters, election flying squads and surveillance teams were subsequently deployed across the 11 assembly constituencies in the district. Each constituency was under the scanner of three flying squads and three fixed surveillance teams. “They operated round the clock and checked vehicles for cash more than Rs50,000 and gift items being carried without valid documents. An appeals centre was also set up to allow people to submit documents and reclaim seized cash and goods,” said an official attached to the election department. During the enforcement period, cash and valuables to the tune of a little more than Rs8 crore were seized in Salem district. Among the seized items were Rs2.74 crore in cash, Rs33.65 lakh worth liquor, Rs2.39 crore worth of gold and silver items, and Rs 2.57 crore worth other valuables. After document verification through the appeals centre, cash and values worth Rs3.51 crore were returned, while the remaining cash and valuables remain unclaimed.
