Income Tax department sets up a helpline to unearth black money during assembly poll.
In order to the check the flow of black money during the assembly election the Mumbai Income Tax department has set up a helpline. People can alert the I-T department if they notice any suspicious movement of large sums of cash in the city. The Election Commission had already raised huge concern over the usage of black money during election. As per the directive issued by the EC the IT Department has set up helpline numbers 022-22635511, 22627275 and 1800-022-0115 (toll free). For ensuring free and fair Assembly elections the income tax (I-T) departments of Mumbai and Pune will soon maintain a watch on airports, railway stations, hotels, farmhouses, hawala agents and middlemen. The department has also set up a round-the-clock control room and complaint monitoring cell.
A press note issued by the Director General I-T (Investigations) said that in case the authorities receive any such information, they would investigate the case under Income Tax Act and shall seize cash or bullion if no satisfactory explanation is furnished. The I-T Department has advised the public to carry necessary documents, including identity card and PAN card in order to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
Similarly, like it did during the Lok Sabha elections, the I-T department will form a Quick Response Team (QRT) for each constituency in the state.
The QRT, which comprises at least five I-T officials in a team, would remain in touch with the control room round the clock, and take required action on specific information.
Director Generals of Income Tax (Investigation) in Mumbai and Pune would be the officials responsible in Maharashtra to investigate the person concerned. Results of investigation will be sent to the Election Commission with a copy marked to the CEO.
A senior income tax official of the investigation wing in Mumbai IT department confirmed that this QRT will be working round the clock.
“In Mumbai, there are total six constituencies, and for each constituency – we have created one QRT – which comprises 6-7 IT officials. These QRTs will remain in touch with the control room round the clock, and would take required action on specific informations coming,” the IT official said.
The I-T department is also likely to open Air Intelligence Units in all airports of Maharashtra, maintaining strict vigil over the movement of cash through aircrafts.
Besides depending on information coming in the control room, the IT officials have also revived its informers network – who plays major role in big cases. These informers (who are rewarded later) have been assigned to keep a watch on hawala money or black money flowing in the bullion market, either in cash or any other forms, including bullion (gold/silver).
If any cash exceeding Rs.10 lakh is reported to the department, officers will take necessary action under I-T laws. The Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in the state on October 15.
