The flying squad of the Election Commissionseized gold and silver jewellery worth Rs 77.29 crore from a van in Ashok Nagar late on Saturday. The interception occurred at 11.45 p.m. in T. Nagar Assembly constituency under Kumaran Nagar police limits.A team from Zone-10 Static Surveillance Team stopped the vehicle with registration TN 09 DK 3726 during routine checks. The consignment belonged to a private jewellery transport firm. Officers noted the absence of e-way bills, invoices or other documents required for goods valued above Rs 50,000.
The driver stated that their main lorry had developed a tyre burst en route. The consignment was transferred to this van for delivery to Chennai jewellers. Police took possession of 381 kg of ornaments including gold chains and bangles packed in unmarked boxes. The items have been lodged at a secure warehouse pending forensic examination.
T. Nagar remains Chennai’s key commercial hub. Pondy Bazaar attracts shoppers from across Tamil Nadu. Ashok Nagar provides middle-class families convenient access to markets, offices and schools. Sites such as SpiritOfChennai.com often highlight these areas in reports on housing trends and living costs. The seizure comes amid strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.
Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu are scheduled for April 23. Results will follow on May 4. Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik has deployed surveillance teams across 234 constituencies. Seizures across the State have crossed Rs 75 crore since March 15. These include cash, liquor, narcotics and freebies. Chennai accounts for a significant share.
Separate checks on Sunday yielded Rs 3 lakh in unaccounted cash from vehicles in the city. Owners may approach appellate authorities with proof to recover seized items. An earlier operation in Kancheepuram resulted in the confiscation of 18 kg of gold and 100 kg of silver valued at Rs 10.5 crore.
No arrests were made in the Ashok Nagar case. Investigators are examining possible links to unaccounted funds or poll expenditure. The jewellery trade has raised concerns over frequent inspections affecting routine business. The Election Commission insists that consignments exceeding Rs 10,000 require proper documentation.
T. Nagar continues as a DMK stronghold though opposition parties mount strong challenges. Flying squads maintain round-the-clock vigil to ensure compliance with electoral norms. Readers following Chennai’s civic developments will await details on the consignment’s ownership and any political ramifications.
Police sources indicated that further leads are expected shortly. Forensic analysis may provide additional clarity. The incident highlights the intensity of poll monitoring in this southern metro.
