New Delhi

The Election Commission today said Rs 570 crore, seized from three containers in Tamil Nadu two days ahead of assembly polls there, is “prima facie suspect cash” as no agency or organisation has come forward to claim it.

All agencies, including the Income Tax Department, have been asked to ensure a proper investigation, an Election Commission official said here.

“Prima facie it is suspect cash as no agency or organisation has come forward to claim it,” the official said here, adding the poll panel is keeping a close watch on the development.

Electoral officials in Tamil Nadu today seized about Rs 570 crore from three containers during checking in Tirupur district, which the occupants of the vehicles claimed was for inter-bank money transfer.

Officials said the personnel accompanying the containers told them that they were transferring Rs 570 crore from State Bank of India in Coimbatore to Vishakhapatnam branches but did not have all the necessary documents and efforts were on to ascertain the veracity of their claim.

The flying squad of the election department, along with paramilitary forces, seized the cash early this morning during a routine vehicle check on Perumanallur-Kunnathur bypass.

Polling for Tamil Nadu assembly election will take place on May 16.

PTI