Chennai: Election flying squad officials near Red Hills seized 46kg of gold jewellery valued at approximately 65 crore from a vehicle and handed it over to the income tax department.With the model code of conduct (MCC) in force, flying squad officials have intensified surveillance to curb the distribution of cash and gift items. In Madhavaram assembly constituency, near Nallur toll plaza adjacent to Red Hills, election flying squad officials intercepted and inspected a vehicle travelling from Chennai towards Ponneri.Officials discovered a substantial quantity of gold jewellery concealed inside the vehicle. Subsequent inquiries revealed that the 46kg of gold jewellery belonged to a leading chain of jewellery stores in Chennai. The individuals transporting the items stated they were taking the jewellery to a workshop to craft ornaments.Flying squad officials seized the gold jewellery and transported it to the office of Perumal, the election returning officer for Madhavaram. In the presence of the officer, the jewellery store employees submitted relevant documents. However, given the significant volume of jewellery involved, officials informed the income tax department. The I-T officials are probing further to ascertain if the jewellery owner has valid proof and receipts for the possession of gold jewellery. The officials asked the jewellery in-charge to produce the account ledgers pertaining to the gold stock.
