Officials said no carrier will be spared, whether moving funds for election purposes or for business transactions (file photo)
Sensitive period
Wallets were examined, residential addresses verified, with even the driver not being spared scrutiny.
Each Assembly constituency has three flying squads and five static surveillance teams deployed at random locations. Personnel have been drawn from outside the State as well, including from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, particularly for the ED and DRI units. The State police and the CRPF are assisting in the drive.
“You never know what a vehicle might be carrying. Cash or contraband can be planted without the owner’s knowledge. Vehicles can be tracked and details passed on to handlers elsewhere to retrieve the parcels,” said an officer on duty requesting anonymity.
At the same time, officials stressed that care is being taken to avoid harassment. A family of four, including children, was seen being treated courteously and allowed to proceed after their identity and travel details were verified. “We do not want to inconvenience families unless there is suspicion or specific intelligence. We act when there is reason,” the officer said.
Surveillance effort
At least 15 agencies are currently involved in the State-wide surveillance effort, targeting unaccounted or illicit money. Officials said no carrier will be spared, whether moving funds for election purposes or for business transactions. So far, ₹2.10 crore in cash has been seized in the State, while gold, valuable gifts and contraband together are estimated to exceed ₹30 crore.
Officials clarified that no questions will be asked for carrying cash up to ₹50,000. Purchases exceeding ₹10,000 must be supported by valid bills or invoices. Cash above ₹50,000 requires proof such as bank withdrawal slips, while amounts exceeding ₹10 lakh must have clearance from the Income Tax Department, in line with norms communicated by the Reserve Bank of India to the Election Commission. Seized cash will be returned upon verification of valid documentation.
A special drive along the national highway in Thrissur recently led to the seizure of ₹62.5 lakh in cash. The carrier claimed the money was meant for a business transaction and not for election funding. Meanwhile, residences and neighbourhoods of prominent leaders of national parties are under surveillance amid concerns over the distribution of inducements.
The I-T department has set up a 24×7 control room in Kerala and said enforcement will be non-discriminatory, including towards political parties. The Directorate of Income Tax (Investigation) will maintain strict vigil on the movement of unaccounted cash, bullion and other valuables suspected to be linked to electoral activities.
Control room set up
The control room operates from room no 603, 6th floor, Office of the Director General of Income Tax (Investigation), Aayakar Bhavan, Old Railway Station Road, Kochi, and will remain functional until the completion of the election process. The department is also in the final stages of its probe into the Kodakara highway robbery case of 2021, in which ₹3.5 crore was seized. The incident—allegedly involving funds brought from a neighbouring State for use in the Assembly elections — had sparked a political controversy. The ED had also initiated proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The final report was uploaded in June 2025, and the case is expected to conclude by March 2027. Anurag Srivastava, Director General of Income Tax (Investigation), Kochi, who oversees Kerala and Lakshadweep, said there has been no undue delay in the investigation.
He said members of the public can share credible information on suspicious movement or distribution of cash, bullion or valuables linked to elections via the toll-free number 1800 425 3173, mobile/WhatsApp number 8547002030, or email at kerala.election2024@incometax.gov.in.
Informants are not required to disclose personal details, and their identity will be kept confidential. The helpline will remain operational throughout the period the Model Code of Conduct is in force, officials said.
Published on March 29, 2026