SHILLONG: Election officials have seized Rs 20 lakh in the run-up to the polls.
Chief Electoral Officer Frederick Kharkongor said according to the report of the South West Khasi Hills district election officer received on Saturday evening, the BSF seized Rs 20 lakh in cash from one R Marak along with two persons who were travelling on a bike at Lakma Bus stand near Bagli border outpost in the district.
The BSF handed over the cash to the police at Borsora Outpost along with seizure memo and apprehended persons requesting court to take it up as per the model code of conduct during the election period.
As the amount is above Rs 10 lakh, the matter was informed to the Income Tax Department and due steps were taken to hand over cash to the department, the official said.
The district election officer is ascertaining whether the amount is meant for election purpose though the arrested persons had claimed that it was meant for wages of employees of a limestone quarry.
A district committee will study the case and examine the documents furnished by the individual from whom the cash was seized.
