Since the 'Model code of conduct' prior to the upcoming 'Lok Sabha' elections is in effect now, the directorate of income tax investigation organised a press conference at its Rishi Nagar office on Thursday to share its plan of action.
Harjeet Singh Sohi, director of investigation, income tax, said, "The movement of money and other valuables will be closely monitored in the coming days, and for the same we have deployed a team of income tax officers, including 5-6 members in each team in all districts of Punjab. For any criminal activities, we will be in regular touch with deputy director and police department of the respective areas.
Sohi said, "Air-Force Intelligence Unit has been deputed at Ludhiana and Amritsar airports, in order to carry cash of more than 10lakh or 1kg gold in the air travel; one has to produce sufficient documents. Apart from this, there is no cash limit otherwise."
"IT department can raid any person or organisation any time, CISF personnels deputed at airports will inform us, and then we will carry on with the seizure process. Surveillance teams and 'Nakas' will regularly keep a watch on any illegal money movement," he said.
The control room number to report the cases is 1800-1800-690.
Sanjeev Kuashal, nodal officer, directorate of income tax investigation, said, "For bank withdrawal, 10 lakh is the cash limit. If any transaction exceeding the limit is carried out then the concerned person have to produce prima facie documents for the same, else if sufficient information is available, then the district election officer will approach the IT nodal officer, who will further refer the case to district income tax officer to check the accountability of the transaction."
{{/usCountry}}Sanjeev Kuashal, nodal officer, directorate of income tax investigation, said, "For bank withdrawal, 10 lakh is the cash limit. If any transaction exceeding the limit is carried out then the concerned person have to produce prima facie documents for the same, else if sufficient information is available, then the district election officer will approach the IT nodal officer, who will further refer the case to district income tax officer to check the accountability of the transaction."
{{/usCountry}}Sohi said, "The investigation department does have the power to decide whether the money is to be seized or not. A thing once seized, cannot be released, but if there is any illegal seizure, the concerned person or organisation can claim it by approaching the concerned jurisdiction for the same.