Mob snatches Rs13.4L cash seized from MP’s office

Sivaganga: A mob snatched Rs13.44 lakh cash from an election flying squad which seized it moments ago from Sivaganga MP Karti Chidambaram's office after a raid on Monday. Police have arrested one suspect in this connection, identified as Palaniyappan, a native of Thirumayam.Acting on a tip that cash was stored for distributing to voters, an election flying squad led by official Dharmalingam raided Karti's office premises on Subramaniapuram 1st Road in Karaikudi. During a search of a shed behind the office, officials recovered two bags and a cloth bag stuffed with currency.The seizure took a chaotic turn during verification near the election flying squad vehicle. Palaniyappan insisted officials count the cash, which totalled Rs13.44 lakh, and the counting was videographed. Meanwhile, around 30 unidentified people converged at the scene. As officials prepared to secure the cash in their vehicle, the mob suddenly snatched the bags and disappeared.In order to prevent a chase, an unknown person took the key of the squad vehicle, leaving the election officials stranded. Upon information, Devakottai sub-collector Ayush Venkat Vats and Karaikudi assistant superintendent of police Ashish Puniya rushed to the spot. Following a complaint by an official, Karaikudi North police registered a case under Sections 189(2) (unlawful assembly), 132 (anyone who assaults or uses criminal force to deter a public servant from performing their duty), and 310(2) (punishment for dacoity, which occurs when five or more people conjointly commit or attempt to commit robbery) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police have since arrested and remanded Palaniyappan. A manhunt has been launched to identify other members of the mob and recover the robbed cash.