Flying squad takes possession of 94 kg gold found in car in Karur

Speaking to reporters, Returning Officer T Anbalagan said, "Several squads have been keeping a strict vigil and intensive vehicle checkups are being under taken on regular basis across the district. A vehicle that was carrying gold jewellery from Madurai to Salem was intercepted during the early morning hours on Tuesday." The officials seized the gold and the van, taking them to the district collectorate.

"Those who transported the jewels had submitted documents. Only after a detailed inspection, steps would be initiated to hand the jewels to the owner," said Anbalagan.

In another incident, gold ornaments worth Rs 3.64 crore was seized after the officials intercepted the vehicle at a checkpost near Melur, which falls under Madurai East constituency. 

The seized ornaments were handed over to the Income Tax Department for inquiry, Madurai Collector and District Election Officer S Natarajan said. The vehicle driver produced an invoice bill, which showed Chennai as destination point. 

"Flying squads, static surveillance teams and video viewing teams are in place to prevent poll code violations. They are keenly monitoring and checking vehicles round the clock," the DEO said, adding that 21 cases had been booked so far, leading to a seizure of Rs 4.34 crore in cash.