Election Flying Squad Confiscates Jewellery Worth ₹2.39 Crore in Namakkal District
In a significant enforcement action, an election flying squad team seized gold, silver, and diamond jewellery valued at ₹2.39 crore in Tiruchengode, located within Namakkal district, on Thursday night. The operation was part of routine vehicle inspections conducted by authorities to ensure compliance with election regulations and tax laws.
Interception of Delivery Van Leads to Major Discovery
The squad was performing checks on Namakkal Road when they intercepted a delivery van near a private college. The vehicle, belonging to a private firm based in Salem, was en route from Namakkal to Tiruchengode. Officials revealed that the company specializes in procuring jewellery from large merchants and delivering it to customers across various towns.
During the inspection, the team uncovered jewellery worth ₹2.39 crore inside the van. Although the consignment included details about the origin of the jewellery and its delivery destinations, a critical issue emerged: there were no documents proving payment of Goods and Services Tax (GST) or other applicable taxes.
Lack of Tax Documentation Triggers Seizure
This absence of supporting tax documents prompted the officials to seize the jewellery immediately. The items were subsequently handed over to the Tiruchengode Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) for further investigation and processing.
RDO Lenin stated that due to the missing documentation, the ornaments were confiscated and deposited into the treasury. He clarified that the items could be reclaimed by the firm only after the submission of valid supporting documents, such as GST payment proofs and other required tax records.
The seizure highlights the ongoing vigilance of election authorities in monitoring financial transactions and ensuring tax compliance during election periods. It also underscores the importance of proper documentation in the jewellery trade, particularly for high-value consignments.
