Special I-T teams for Karnataka polls

The investigation wing of the Income Tax Department will set up dedicated teams headed by deputy directors in each district of Karnataka in the run-up to the Legislative Assembly elections to curb the use of money power. Highlighting the department’s plans, B.R. Balakrishnan, Director-General, Income Tax (Investigation), Karnataka and Goa, told reporters here that money power was seen as playing a major role in the elections in Karnataka, among a few other States. The Election Commission had held a couple of preliminary meetings on the smooth conduct of the elections, and curbing money power was among the issues discussed, he said. The IT deputy directors would have the statutory power of search and seizure, Mr. Balakrishnan said. Dedicated telephone lines would be set up and email address provided, to enable the public to provide information about use of money. Tamil Nadu experience During the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the department seized about Rs. 40 crore in cash because of rigorous enforcement. Tamil Nadu was another State where money power was said to play a major role in the elections, he noted. On search and seizure operations involving politicians and bureaucrats post-demonetisation, Mr. Balakrishnan said many cases culminated in assessment orders and launch of prosecution. After the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amended Act, 2016, was enforced, the IT Department seized benami properties worth over Rs. 500 crore in Karnataka and Goa.