The Income Tax (IT) department will not discriminate against political parties while cracking down on the use of unaccounted money. According to IT officials, the ministry has set up a 24×7 control room in Kerala to curb the use of black money in the upcoming assembly elections.
The department is finalizing its investigation into the Kodakara Expressway robbery case where the police recovered unaccounted money. The final report on the case was recorded in June 2025. The case may end by March 2027 as the law takes its own course. There was no delay on the department’s part in completing the investigation, said Anurag Srivastava, Director General of Income Tax (Investigation), Kochi, which has jurisdiction over Kerala and Lakshadweep.
The reported seizure of black money brought from a neighboring state during the 2021 assembly elections, allegedly for the use of BJP candidates in the state, has stirred a political controversy. The names of several top BJP leaders from the state were found mentioned in the police case registered in this regard.
The Enforcement Directorate also filed a complaint invoking the provisions of the Money Laundering Prevention Act.
The Directorate of Income Tax (Investigation), Kerala, will strictly monitor the movement of unaccounted cash, precious metals and other valuables that are likely or suspected to be used for election purposes in the state. A 24/7 control room has been set up at Room No. 603, 6th Floor, Director General of Income Tax (Investigations), Aayakar Bhavan, Old Railway Station Road, Kochi, Mr. Srivastava said.
The public can share credible information about the suspicious movement or distribution of cash, bullion, bullion or other valuables in connection with elections on Toll Free: 1800 425 3173, Mobile/WhatsApp Number: 8547002030 or Email: kerala.election2024@incometax.gov.
People can contact the toll-free number at any time during the validity period of the model code of conduct. Whistleblowers are not required to disclose personal information such as name or identity. The control room will remain functional until the end of the election process. The identity of the whistleblowers will be withheld, he said.
Amrita Misra, Senior Director of Investigations, and K. Jayaganesh, Nodal Civil Servant, were present at the press conference.
Published – 19 March 2026 21:24 IST
