Election flying squad officials intercepted and searched the vehicle of Minister S.S. Sivashankar in Ariyalur district on Wednesday as part of intensified monitoring ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
According to officials, the Election Commission has deployed nine monitoring teams and nine flying squads each in Ariyalur and Jayankondam Assembly constituencies to ensure strict enforcement of election norms and prevent illegal distribution of cash or gifts to voters.
The incident occurred when the Minister was travelling from Ariyalur towards Thirumanur. A flying squad team led by officer Nirmalraj, conducting vehicle checks in the Keelappazhuvur area, stopped the Minister’s car and carried out a detailed inspection.
Officials said Sivashankar fully cooperated with the checking process. No unaccounted cash or prohibited items were found during the search.
Following the inspection, the flying squad allowed the vehicle to proceed, and the Minister continued his journey.
