Income Tax control room in Pune to check black money use during elections

Sumit Singh

Pune, March 13, 2019 : The Election Commission of India has requisitioned the services of Investigation Directorates of Income Tax (IT) to curb the use of black money during elections to the General Election (Lok Sabha) 2019. During the 2014 elections, the IT department had seized cash, valuables worth Rs six crores.

Additional Director of Income Tax Ajay Modi has been appointed as Nodal officer for Maharashtra State (excluding Mumbai), who will send daily report to the Election Commissioner. There are five zonal offices under Pune region of Income tax department. The department nominated 5 jurisdiction nodal officer for Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Kolhapur and Thane. A total of 50 Quick Response Team (QRT) members are stationed in the state.

In this regard, the Office of Director General of Income tax (Inv), Pune is in the process of gathering intelligence and keep strict watch over the movement of cash and valuables and other unlawful means of influencing elections in these constituencies and take necessary action under Income Tax Laws.

In view of the above, a 24 x 7 control room has been set up at Pune. The toll free numbers for receiving the complaints/information regarding blackmoney circulation and its use for election purposes are 1800-233-0700 and 1800-233-0701. Information can also be furnished on 7498977898 through WhatsApp.

Principal Director (Investigations) Sandeep Kapoor said, “to ensure free and fair elections and curb down the use of black money during elections, the general public is requested to pass any information regarding stocking, movement and distribution of black money/cash/gold/silver etc., on the above mentioned toll free numbers/mobile number.”