Public face hurdles reclaiming cash, jewellery seized by flying squads

Members of the public in Madurai district are facing difficulties in reclaiming cash and jewellery seized by election flying squads due to lack of awareness about the recovery process.
With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for April 23, the Model Code of Conduct is in force, and flying squads are carrying out round-the-clock vehicle checks across the
district.
As per norms, carrying cash exceeding Rs. 50,000 or jewellery worth over Rs. 2 lakh without valid documents is prohibited.
Officials said that so far, more than Rs. 1 crore in cash and gold jewellery worth over Rs. 60 lakh have been seized in the district. Those affected include people travelling for medical emergencies, weddings, family functions and business purposes.
District Election Officer and Collector Praveen Kumar stated that a grievance redressal committee has been constituted under the leadership of the Project Director of the District Rural Development Agency to facilitate the return of seized items.
The committee is functioning at the Collectorate.
He said affected individuals must submit relevant documents such as bank withdrawal receipts, GST bills, wedding invitations, property agreements, hospital records and a detailed explanation for carrying the cash or jewellery.
After verification, the committee will issue permission for release, following which the money and jewellery can be collected from the treasury.