Goa Casinos to be Monitored by IT Department During Upcoming Elections

Casinos in Goa are to be strictly monitored during the upcoming elections, lest they be used to bribe voters. This directive was issued by the Election Commission (EC) which was on the lookout for any malpractices.

Nasim Zaidi, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) told the media, “Parties expressed apprehension about abuse of money, distribution of gifts and on possible misuse of withdrawal of cash in casinos. The parties further stated the likelihood of distribution of gifts in the last week before the poll.”

He declared that the EC was satisfied with the arrangements made for the pre-polls phase.

Zaidi added that the Income Tax (Investigation Wing) of Karnataka-Goa had already been informed and the Director General (Investigation), IT, Goa was present to monitor any unusual large amounts of cash movements.

It was informed that the entry and exit of casinos and all transactions would be checked.

“Static monitoring teams by Income Tax officials will also be keeping an eye and action will be taken as per the Income Tax (IT) laws,” Zaidi said.

The CEC claimed that parties had complained about the BJP misusing government data bases to threaten and coax citizens for votes. There were also suggestions that advertisements violating the model code of conduct (MCC) should be prosecuted, besides barring social media misuse. Zaidi further informed that the local police had been asked to crackdown on anti-social elements and control liquor usage during the polls.